Hornell man charged with rape, violating protection order in Christmas Day incident
A Hornell man was charged with rape, violating an order of protection and endangering the welfare of a child following a Steuben County Sheriff’s Office investigation into a Christmas Day domestic incident in the Town of Hornellsville.
Sheriff’s deputies charged Stephan E. Knowlton-Leach, 28, of Upper Glen Avenue, Hornell, with felony counts of first-degree rape and aggravated criminal contempt, as well as endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.
The sheriff’s office alleges Knowlton-Leach “intentionally and forcibly” raped and struck an adult who was under an order of protection from the suspect.
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Additionally, the sheriff's office said the incident endangered a child less than 17 years old.
Knowlton-Leach appeared in the Centralized Arraignment Court and was sent to the Steuben County Jail. Bail was set at $5,000.
Sheriff James Allard thanked the Steuben County Department of Social Services for their assistance.
The sheriff’s office said a second person, Anthony J. Leach, 28, of Upper Glen Avenue, Hornell, was charged in connection to the incident. Anthony J. Leach was charged with second-degree hindering prosecution and second-degree obstructing governmental administration. He was arraigned in the Centralized Arraignment Court and released.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell man charged with felony rape, other counts following incident
