Former Portage Police Officer, Scott Berardinelli, Arrested After Allegedly Raping A Teenager At Local Gym

Former PA Police Officer Accused of Raping A Teenager

A Portage man and former police officer now faces multiple felony charges after allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl at a local gym in December 2020.

Scott Berardinelli, 23, has been charged with rape by forcible compulsion, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, and a misdemeanor charge of indecent assault without consent of others. The charges came after the teenage victim came forward and contacted police.

Victim Allegedly Sexually Assaulted at Local Gym

According to the criminal complaint, Berardinelli invited the victim to a gym located in Portage Borough, with the victim telling investigators the two were friends at the time. Once she arrived, Berardinelli allegedly led her to a private room, used a chair to barricade the door, and forced her against a wall. He then allegedly pulled down her pants and sexually assaulted her without her consent.

Evidence Against Accused Former Police Officer

The victim provided investigators with a series of text messages exchanged between herself and Berardinelli, in which he allegedly admitted to having sexual intercourse with her. When police confronted Berardinelli, he initially claimed he only knew the victim through social media and flatly denied any personal or sexual relationship with her. Even after investigators presented him with the text messages, Berardinelli continued to deny having sexual intercourse with the victim. Police noted numerous inconsistencies throughout his account.

The factual information above was sourced from wtaj.com as of May 28, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

When A Badge Becomes A Weapon: A PA Lawyer Explains Your Legal Rights

Sexual abuse committed by a police officer carries a particular weight. These are individuals entrusted with protecting the public, given authority and access that most people would never question. When that trust is shattered, victims are often left wondering whether anyone will believe them, whether the system will protect them, and whether they have any real options for holding the offender accountable. We sat down with Ashley DiLiberto, a Pennsylvania sexual abuse lawyer with experience representing survivors, to talk about what the law offers victims in these situations and how the legal process actually works.

Q: What legal options does a victim of sexual abuse by a police officer have in Pennsylvania?

A: Victims have both criminal and civil legal options available to them. On the criminal side, law enforcement can investigate and prosecutors can file charges against the offending officer. On the civil side, victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the officer personally and, in some cases, against the police department or municipality that employed them. Civil claims can result in financial compensation for the physical and emotional harm the victim suffered.

Q: Can a victim sue a police department or municipality if one of their officers committed sexual abuse?

A: In many cases, yes. If it can be shown that the department was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the officer, or if the department ignored prior complaints or warning signs, there may be grounds for a civil claim against the municipality. These cases can be complex, but they are absolutely worth exploring with a qualified attorney.

Q: How long does a victim have to file a civil lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

A: Pennsylvania has made significant changes to its statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases in recent years. Under Act 44, which was signed into law in 2019, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 55 to file a civil lawsuit, or within 37 years of the date the abuse occurred. There is also a two-year window that was opened for previously expired claims. Time is still a factor, however, and speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

Q: What should a victim do if they are considering taking legal action?

A: The first step is to speak with an attorney who has experience handling sexual abuse cases. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the details of what happened, explain what claims may be available, and help the victim understand what to expect from the legal process. Victims should also know that they do not have to navigate this alone. There are resources and legal professionals ready to support them every step of the way.

You Have Rights — And We Are Here To Fight For Them

If you or someone you love has suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a police officer or any person in a position of authority, you do not have to face this alone. Ashley DiLiberto and our legal team are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand every option available to you. There are no upfront costs and no obligations — just a confidential, compassionate conversation about your situation and your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the answers you deserve.