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Woman Accused Of Raping Foster Child 'Hundreds Of Times' To Stand Trial

GREENSBURG (KDKA) - A woman accused of raping her foster child "hundreds of times" will stand trial.

Joelle Barozzini appeared in court for a preliminary hearing Thursday, accompanied by her family.

Police say Barozzini sexually assaulted a teenage boy at her home and at a hotel where they stayed when they visited his father in state prison.

Officials say the abuse happened when the boy was 16-years-old and continued from 2009 until 2013.

During the preliminary hearing, the victim took the stand for two hours and claimed under oath that he and Barozzini had sex "hundreds of times."

The victim, now 24-years-old, looked visibly nervous while testifying, and said that he didn't tell anyone about the alleged abuse saying, "I was worried I'd get thrown away again."

The victim went on to say that Barozzini portrayed herself as his girlfriend in public, claiming that she had a disease that caused premature aging.

Barozzini also warned him not to tell anyone about their relationship because no one would believe him.

The alleged assaults happened as Barozzini worked inside the Pressley Ridge juvenile facility in Uniontown.

The victim told police that first alleged incident happened inside the Barrozini's home.

Barozzini is facing a list of charges including, rape, institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.

All charges were held for trial with an additional charge of sexual assault being filed.

Barozzini remains free on $50,000 unsecured bond.

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