48°
Odin J. Rathnam, 58 of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, was arrested at his home on a warrant by the Lower Paxton Bureau of Police in connection with the sexual assaults which happened "throughout Dauphin County and other areas of Pennsylvania between 2008 and 2019," as stated in a police release.
**WARNING: The Details Of This Case Are Disturbing, Scroll To The Bottom To Read The Charges**
The victim came forward about the abuse at the age of 22 after being diagnosed with a prolapsed vagina, among other medical issues, due to the first rape tearing her vaginal wall into her rectum, which she hid using her older sister's menstrual pads but it never fully healed as the rapes continued, as detailed in the affidavit by Detective Jeffrey Corcoran citing the woman's gynecologist.
The abuse was not limited to rape, it included oral sex and digital penetration, as stated in the affidavit. The woman explained that these incidents often happened at Rathnam's home with other people present, as explained in the affidavit.
Sexual assaults also happened outside of the home, including by the church at Fort Hunter that overlooks the Susquehanna River – these assaults happened after he performed in concerts with the Harrisburg Symphony, according to the affidavit.
After coming forward to the police, legal recordings were made of the woman confronting Rathnam in phone calls. He allegedly confessed in the calls but blamed alcohol, Rathnam previously pleaded guilty to Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Driving Under the Influence Court in Pennsylvania in 2015, records show.
**WARNING: The Above Details Are Disturbing**
For this case, Rathnam has been charged with the following according to the police and confirmed by court documents:
- Felony Rape of Child (three counts).
- Felony Rape of Child - Serious Bodily Injury (three counts).
- Felony Indecent Assault Person Less than 13 Years of Age (three counts).
- Felony Aggravated Indecent Assault of Child (three counts).
- Misdemeanor Indecent Exposure (three counts).
- Felony Unlawful Contact With Minor - Sexual Offenses (three counts).
- Misdemeanor Corruption of Minors.
- Felony Corruption Of Minors - Defendant Age 18 or Above.
- Felony Statutory Sexual Assault: 11 Years Older.
- Felony Corruption Of Minors - Defendant Age 18 or Above.
- Misdemeanor Indecent Assault of a Person Less 16 Years of Age.
- Misdemeanor Indecent Assault-Without the Consent Of Other.
- Felony Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse With A Person Less Than 16 Years Age.
- Felony Unlawful Contact With Minor - Sexual Offenses.
- Felony Corruption Of Minors - Defendant Age 18 or Above.
- Misdemeanor Indecent Assault with a Person Less 16 Years Age.
His preliminary hearing was held before Judge Wendy Grella at 10:37 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24, according to his latest court docket. He remains in the Dauphin County Prison after being denied bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled before Judge Grella at 9 a.m. on July 29.
Rathnam was the concertmaster with the Harrisburg Symphony for 21 years and went on to work at Cleveland State University, according to numerous sources. Neither organization currently employs him.
Anyone with information regarding this case or Rathman has been asked to contact Detective Jeffery Corcoran with the Lower Paxton Bureau of Police at 717-657-5656 or email jcorcoran@lowerpaxton-pa.gov.
Editor's Note: To clarify, the victim was not a student of Rathnam's
Click here to follow Daily Voice Dallastown and receive free news updates.
