Bethlehem Township man convicted of sexually abusing child over four years

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Bethlehem Township man was convicted Thursday of sexually abusing a girl over a four-year period beginning when she was 10 years old.

A Northampton County jury found Julito Ortiz Jr., 46, guilty of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault of a person under 16, corruption of minors, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child following a three-day trial before Judge Paula A. Roscioli.

Ortiz remains in custody. His bail was increased to $1 million following the verdict, and sentencing is scheduled for April 23.

The investigation began Aug. 8, 2024, when the victim’s older sister brought the then-14-year-old girl to Bethlehem Township police headquarters after learning of the abuse, according to the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators determined the abuse had persisted and escalated over approximately four years.

Ortiz was not immediately located after warrants were issued. Police sought the public’s help finding him as recently as April 2025. He was later arrested and held for trial.

Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse is a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A conviction also requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under the state’s Megan’s Law.

District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announced the conviction Friday.