WJPA News

MONESSEN, Pa. — A Monessen man is in custody following an investigation into child sexual assault allegations.  The Monessen Police Department says it helped Homeland Security execute a search warrant at 26-year-old Joshua Rioux’s Aliquippa Avenue home on Sept. 26.  Police say federal investigators alerted them about videos depicting a juvenile being sexually assaulted by Rioux before executing the search warrant.  Rioux was taken into custody and questioned, where police say he admitted to sexually assaulting a male juvenile on several occasions over an approximate two-year period. Police reported that one of the incidents was recorded on video.  Rioux faces more than 50 charges, including several counts of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.  He’s being held at the Westmoreland County Jail without bail.

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police arrested a Cranberry Township man after police say he sent sexually explicit messages to who he believed to be a 13-year-old boy.  According to the criminal complaint, someone with the group named ‘Predator Poacher’ which works to catch child predators, posed as a 13-year-old who Eric Zachary Trylko reportedly messaged.  Police say Trylko sent images of himself and asked the person who was posing as a 13-year-old for images of themself doing sexual acts.  According to the criminal complaint, Trylko wrote, “At least three have tried it. Two boys, one girl.”  Trylko worked as a state auditor.  The Pennsylvania State Office of Administration wrote, “Criminal conduct by Commonwealth employees is unacceptable and Eric Trylko has been suspended pending the disposition of the felony charges. Depending on the resolution in a case of this nature, an employee could face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.”  Trylko was unable to post bond and is in the Butler County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 6.

BOSTON (AP) — A powerful storm is creeping along the U.S. Northeast coast, causing high winds and knocking out electricity for thousands. The nor’easter is affecting the Mid-Atlantic area and New England. At one point, around 100,000 customers were without power on Saturday. The National Weather Service warns that high winds, tides, and heavy rain will continue through Sunday. In New Jersey, New York and elsewhere, some streets are flooded and some homes and businesses are inundated. In Brooklyn, New York, a 56-year-old man was struck and killed by a falling tree, according to the New York City Police Department, the first confirmed fatality from the storm. The New York City Housing Authority later confirmed he was an employee of the agency. He was identified by Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a social media post as Leighton Brown.  The storm has also led to flight cancellations, concert postponements and disrupted sports events. Officials are urging residents to use caution.  (Photo:  AP)

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the U.S. meets certain conditions.  Trump spoke to reporters Saturday outside the White House before leaving for a college football game.  Iran offered this week to reopen the strait and resume talks on its nuclear program in seven days if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian strikes on Ukraine have killed at least two people overnight into Sunday, officials said. It comes hours after Moscow rejected German calls to ease its escalation toward NATO. Russia’s top diplomat dismissed a meeting with his German counterpart during the U.N. General Assembly. Tensions between Russia and Germany have worsened, especially after a drone attack at Leipzig airport last month. Moscow has been targeting Ukraine with missiles and drones, while Kyiv has struck Russian oil refineries. In Kyiv, a man died after a Russian drone hit a building. Another drone hit a vehicle repair shop, causing a fire.

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history. It was announced Monday that Swift will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, making her the most awarded artist in VMA history. She is currently tied with Beyoncé, each having 30 awards. The new honor will bring her total to 31. Snoop Dogg, a three-time VMA winner, will host the event. The show will broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Madonna leads the nominations with 11, followed by Swift with nine. Performers include Madonna, Raye and others.  (Photo:  AP)