Man accused of child sexual assault dies before Fayette trial

A Belle Vernon man awaiting trial in Fayette County Court for allegedly sexually assaulting two children has died.

39-year-old Peter Carlson faced 16 charges in two separate cases, including rape, indecent assault and involuntary sexual intercourse.

Last week, a motion was granted on Caslon’s behalf requesting that his trial, scheduled for later this month, be postponed until December. One of the reasons listed was that Carlson had to undergo several “vital medical tests.”

A notice was filed with the court earlier this week saying he had died.

State police had alleged that Carlson touched a boy inappropriately in 2020. In a second case, he was accused of sexually abusing a girl in 2020 and 2021.

Carlson had been released on bail while awaiting trial. The cause of death was not listed in court records.