Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas Arrested And Charged With Rape
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
SOMERSET COUNTY (KDKA) -- The Somerset County district attorney was arrested and charged with rape, indecent assault, strangulation, simple assault and criminal trespass.
District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas was arrested Wednesday following a state police investigation into an incident that occurred in Windber Borough on Saturday.
According to a press release from state police, law enforcement began an investigation into a sexual assault reported Saturday at approximately 11:00 p.m. at a residence in Windber Borough.
Upon investigation, troopers learned that Thomas entered the home of the victim without permission and remained there after being told to leave. Thomas is accused of sexually and physically assaulting the female victim inside the residence, police said in the release.
Thomas' preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro released a statement, saying:
"The charges this defendant is facing for a violent attack are deeply disturbing. Mr. Thomas is entrusted by the public to uphold the law and serve as a voice for victims. I commend the bravery of the victim that has come forward — that is never an easy thing to do, especially when your abuser is a powerful elected official. Today is a reminder that no one is above the law."
Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association released a statement, saying:
"No one is above the law. The allegations outlined today in Somerset County deeply disturb us. Everyone involved in the criminal justice system has a legal and ethical obligation to follow the law and to conduct themselves with the utmost integrity - no one more so than the District Attorney. Any individual's failure to either act lawfully or in accordance with their ethical obligations is wholly unacceptable."
The Somerset County Board of Commissioners released this statement:
"The Somerset County Board of Commissioners is aware of the recent arrest of District Attorney Jeffrey Charges and the serious charges pending against him. As this is a criminal matter to be processed through the Courts, the Commissioners have no substantive comment to offer at this time."