Coast Faces New Charges
Ray Edward Coast, a Lewis Run resident, has been slapped with additional charges related to child pornography and conspiring to retaliate against a victim. According to District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, Coast is currently being held on $3 million bail for two prior cases involving hundreds of counts of sex crimes, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and stalking.
The new charges, filed on March 20, 2026, include conspiracy retaliation against a victim, criminal use of a communication facility, and multiple counts of child pornography. The complaint alleges that Coast conspired with Peter Ross to discredit a victim who testified against him during a preliminary hearing. The plan involved contacting the victim’s employer and posting damaging information on social media to harm the victim’s career and reputation.
Furthermore, the complaint accuses Coast of videotaping himself engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor boy and possessing explicit videos and photographs of children. Coast was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge William Todd, who set bail at $150,000 for the new case. However, Coast remains incarcerated on $3 million bail for the prior cases.
The investigation, led by Trooper Richard Obermeyer, has uncovered a disturbing pattern of behavior by Coast. In December 2025, Coast’s bail was increased to $3 million after a preliminary hearing, and an additional 270 counts of sex crimes were added to the charges. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may aid in the investigation, and anyone with knowledge is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at (814) 368-9230 or 911.
The case highlights the importance of protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. As the investigation continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. Coast is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the case will proceed through the judicial system.
