34°
Steven John Gallagher, 65, was arrested after East Pennsboro Township Police were alerted by Lower Paxton Township Police at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, about the possible presence of a missing juvenile at his residence on the 700 block of Valley Street in Enola.
Gallagher initially told officers he had dropped the girl, identified as I.M., off at Adams Ricci Park 45 minutes earlier after discovering she was a runaway. Police located her at the park, where she alleged Gallagher had raped her.
**WARNING THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE DISTURBING**
Disturbing Allegations
In a forensic interview conducted on Monday, Nov. 25, I.M. provided a detailed account of her time with Gallagher:
Initial Meeting: I.M. stated she ran away from home and was walking along Valley Street early on Halloween morning when Gallagher, sitting on his porch, invited her to stay with him.
Drug And Alcohol Use: Gallagher allegedly gave I.M. crack cocaine and vodka, impairing her ability to resist his advances, she said in the affidavit.
Sexual Assaults: I.M. claimed Gallagher raped her multiple times, holding her down by her shoulders and wrists, despite her repeated refusals. She also alleged he told her he wanted to impregnate her.
Living Conditions: I.M. said Gallagher made her cook, clean, and care for his young grandson, who began calling her his "new mommy." She described feeling trapped, as Gallagher kept the doors locked, threatened her, and displayed erratic behavior.
Escape Attempt: Gallagher allegedly took I.M. to Adams Ricci Park, gave her his phone number, and promised to return for her. Police intervened before he could.
Charges And Proceedings
Gallagher faces 10 charges, including:
- Felony 1 Rape – Forcible Compulsion
- Felony 1 Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse – Forcible Compulsion
- Felony 1 Unlawful Contact With a Minor – Sexual Offenses
- Felony 2 Sexual Assault
- Felony Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Deliver
- Felony 3 Concealment of Whereabouts of a Child
He was arraigned on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 1:05 p.m. before Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth S. Beckley, who set bail at $100,000. Gallagher remains in Cumberland County Prison as he has not posted bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Warning: This article contains allegations of sexual assault, child abuse, and drug use. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Lansdowne-Darby and receive free news updates.
