John Defluri is facing nearly 25 hundred counts of charges including rape and statutory sexual assault. 
Police say the abuse happened while Defluri lived with the 2 victims and their mother in Punsxutawney and big run from 2010 through 2015. Troopers tell us the victims were only 7 when the abuse began, and were forced to engage in oral sex and were inappropriately touched by Defluri. Police say he tried to keep the victims quiet by telling them he would hurt himself if anyone were to find out.

“It’s usually someone who is able to grab a hold of known things about the child or their parents against them so they can continue what they’re doing over and over again,” explains Trooper Ronald Chewning.

Defluri is a truck driver which is how he made it to Tioga County, where he was arrested by a task force. He was arraigned over video Wednesday afternoon and is expected to be brought back to Jefferson County Jail on Thursday. 

Check back for updates on this story as it develops.