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<p>TRUCKSVILLE &#8212; A 20-year-old firefighter is facing felony charges for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old girl.</p><p>Joshua James Ralston, of Dallas, allegedly had sex with the girl at her home in December and February while the girl&#8217;s mother was away, according to the affidavit, which notes police received a tip about the alleged contact in April.</p><p>The girl, now 14, told police she knew Ralston previously, and became reacquainted when she began serving as a junior firefighter last fall, the affidavit says.</p><p>Ralston, a firefighter with Trucksville Volunteer Fire and Rescue, admitted to having sex with the girl but claimed she &#8220;wanted it as much as (he) did,&#8221; court records state. Ralston was 19 at the time.</p><p>Ralston knew he could get in trouble for having sex with the girl, but did it anyway because it &#8220;brought him happiness,&#8221; the affidavit says.</p><p>The fire company&#8217;s website lists Ralston as a member, though it was unclear whether he was still volunteering there. A message left at the fire company Tuesday was not immediately returned.</p><p>Ralston was arraigned on two counts each of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, and criminal use of a communication facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 24.</p><p>Ralston is free after posting $25,000 bail.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Ralston </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_10559663_754775864561765_8385839483375801504_n.jpg</photo0><caption0>Ralston </caption0><photoCredit0>Facebook photo </photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Joe Dolinsky</p><p>jdolinsky@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Joe Dolinsky at 570-991-6110 or on Twitter @JoeDolinskyTL</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Trucksville firefighter charged with sexual assault of girl, 13