Top Stories

Suspended fire chief accused of sexual relationship with teen makes first court appearance

A suspended volunteer fire chief was in court Monday for the first time since he was accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage girl.

Channel 11 asked Aaron Powell for a comment as he walked into court but he did not say anything.

The now-suspended Versailles volunteer fire chief appeared in the Magistrate's Office in McKeesport Monday afternoon.

Powell is facing serious charges, including having sex with a 17-year-old girl at the McKees Point Marina in November.

TRENDING NOW:

In court Monday, prosecutors told the judge they need more time to investigate.

"He was ready to go today and have his case move forward, but he's upset that it was postponed today," Powell's defense attorney, Blaine Jones, said.

Powell remains suspended from the Fire Department, which makes the legal postponement even more difficult.

"He can't work and that's the tough part about the system: You may be accused of a crime, but it doesn't mean you committed that crime," Jones said. "Now your life is put on hold. How do you pay your bills? How do you live?"

Powell's next court appearance is set for Jan. 22.