North Belle Vernon councilwoman admits to sleepover assaults

A North Belle Vernon councilwoman who is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl during sleepovers confessed to the crimes when authorities questioned her this month, according to court papers.

Heather M. Prinkey, 36, of 513 Henry St. was arraigned Wednesday before West Newton District Judge Charles Christner on two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and one count each of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child -- all felonies.
Prinkey, a former coach of a Belle Vernon-area girls softball team, also is charged with the misdemeanor offenses of corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Westmoreland County detectives allege that Prinkey, who abruptly resigned from council last week, committed the crimes over a 15-month period against a friend of her daughter during sleepovers in the Prinkey home. When the crimes began in May 2008, the alleged victim was 13, police said.

Detectives said they interviewed Prinkey July 17 at her residence.

"At this time she admitted to being involved in a sexual relationship ... and performing the acts," states a probable cause affidavit.

The teen told investigators about the alleged offenses during an interview in June, according to the affidavit.

Prinkey's resignation letter from council was turned in July 20, according to borough officials. It is expected to be addressed during council's meeting next month.

In 2004, Prinkey was sued by a former live-in lover who claimed she owed him nearly $8,000 for an 2.3-carat engagement ring they bought together "as a symbol of their betrothal." That purchase was made in 2003 at a Belle Vernon jewelry store, according to the civil complaint.

The former fiance, Purnel Jones, who couldn't be reached for comment, further claimed that Prinkey owed him $19,345 for the ring and other possessions he left behind when he moved out of her Henry Street residence after an argument.

Responding to the suit and filing a countersuit, Prinkey said Jones said "she could keep the ring and even sell it," which was done.

Some of the items sought by Jones were picked up by his family members in a truck, Prinkey said in court papers. A dresser was taken by "persons unknown" after it was put outside, according to her court papers. Prinkey further said that Jones took $8,500 from their joint banking account, leaving only $200 in the account.

The case eventually was settled for an undisclosed amount.

Prinkey was jailed in lieu of posting $250,000 after her arraignment. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9 before Christner.
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