A Tamaqua landlord accused in a series of sexual assaults is in Schuylkill County Prison following arraignment Monday.

Thomas Edward Rockwell, 78, of 318 Lafayette St., Tamaqua, sat through what District Justice Stephen Bayer referred to as a "rights hearing" as various felony and other charges against him were outlined and potential sentences reviewed.

Charges relate to alleged indecent assaults of three girls under the age of 10 which police say took place at two different houses, both rental units, on Arlington Street in the borough.

Bail was set at ten percent of $100,000 for each of two criminal complaints, meaning Rockwell needed $20,000 in cash or bond in order to remain free until a preliminary hearing can be scheduled.

Unable to meet the requirement, he was escorted in handcuffs out of Bayer's office by Tamaqua Police Cpl. Henry Woods and Officer Rick Bekesy and taken to Schuylkill County Prison.

See Tuesday's Times News for details.