CANTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend last month in Canton Township appeared in court Wednesday, and the judge upheld kidnapping and rape charges.
According to police, John Gallo choked and attacked his ex-girlfriend in a motel parking lot, forced her into his car and held her against her will.
Investigators said the victim was able to escape the following day from his car as he was pulling onto Interstate 70.
“He took me to what he called a mine shaft and said he was going to ‘shove me down a mine shaft, shoot himself in the head and fall down backward,’” the victim testified.
The victim took the stand Wednesday and testified that two people helped pull her out of the car.
Although attorney Christopher Blackwell said the victim initiated sexual intercourse, the judge did not drop the rape charge against Gallo.
“Her testimony clearly indicated that she initiated the sex and it was her idea. She indicated that she was on top,” Blackwell said.
After the hearing, Gallo was taken back to the Westmoreland County Hail. His bond was lowered to $150,000.
Gallo’s attorney said he’s looking forward to a jury trial to prove his innocence.
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