Former Tesla Employee Faces Second-Degree Sexual Assault Charges
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A former Tesla employee, identified as Cleary, is facing charges of second-degree sexual assault in Pennsylvania.The legal proceedings have followed a lengthy examination that spanned across the United States and Europe.
Background and Investigation
Cleary, who grew up in Silicon Valley, California, left Gettysburg after the alleged assault. He completed college in California, obtained a master’s degree, and worked for Tesla before moving overseas. During his time abroad, he reportedly spent time writing medieval fiction, according to his online posts.
The Associated Press (AP) published an investigation in May 2021 highlighting a broader reluctance among prosecutors to pursue campus sex assault charges. An indictment in Cleary’s case followed weeks after this investigation.
apprehension and Legal Proceedings
Authorities in both the U.S. and Europe attempted to locate Cleary for approximately three years,encountering difficulties in tracking his movements,both online and offline. He was eventually apprehended and brought before the court.
During a court appearance on Thursday, Cleary’s defense lawyer, John Abom, stated that his client had been homeless at times and was unaware of the charges against him. Adams County District Attorney Brian Sinnett expressed doubt regarding this claim but acknowledged that it would be difficult to prove Cleary was actively evading authorities, making it unlikely to be a meaningful factor in sentencing.
Potential Penalties and family Response
The charge of second-degree sexual assault carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. Cleary’s family members have chosen not to comment on the ongoing case and have not been present at his court hearings.Abom also declined to
