A 23-year-old Portage man faces rape and related charges more than five years after the alleged assault.

Scott Matt Berardinelli was arraigned Tuesday morning before Magisterial District Judge John

Prebish Jr. on felony charges of rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors along with a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault.

He posted 10% of $25,000 and was released from custody.

According to court documents, the alleged assault occurred at a gym in Portage on Dec. 7, 2020, when the victim was 16 years old.

The victim first reported the allegations to Cresson Borough police in late 2024 and the complaint was referred to the Cambria County detectives bureau.

During the investigation, police found that Berardinelli invited the girl to the gym and to a back room, where he showed her around before allegedly placing a chair in front of the door.

The victim told police Berardinelli removed her clothes and sexually assaulted her. She left the gym after the assault, she told police.

Police said the two went to the same high school together and the victim said they were friends.

The report states that Berardinelli allegedly messaged the victim about the alleged assault.

Berardinelli was questioned in January about the incident and first denied knowing the victim and then said he knew her through social media.

Detectives said Berardinelli’s statements contained inconsistencies.

It was reported by WJAC that Berardinelli served as a police officer in 2024-25, first with Portage

Borough and then Summerhill Township.

Berardinelli’s preliminary hearing is set for June 9 before Prebish.