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Somerset District Attorney, Jeffrey Lynn Thomas II, 36, of Windber, is accused of entering a known woman’s home in Windber without permission, refusing to leave, then sexually and physically assaulting her on Saturday.
Thomas was arraigned on Wednesday at 8:15 p.m.
He was charged with the following, according to court documents:
- F1 Rape Forcible Compulsion
- M1 Indecent Assault-Without Consent Of Other
- M2 Strangulation - Applying Pressure to Throat or Neck
- M2 Simple Assault (2 Counts)
- Criminal Trespassing- Entering A Structure
Prior to this incident, Thomas had a record of traffic offenses in Cambria and Somerset counties.
He was held in Somerset County Prison in lieu of $5,000 bail.
His preliminary hearing has been scheduled with Magisterial District Judge William E. Seger on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.
“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,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to call PSP Troop A, Ebensburg at 814-471-6500.
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