Somerset County District Attorney Charged With Rape

Pittsburgh PA

23 September, 2021

10:35 AM

Description

WINDBER, PA — Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Lynn Thomas faces a host of felony charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a female acquaintance on Sept. 18. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Thomas went to the woman's home in Windber, a small borough about 80 miles east of Pittsburgh, at about 11 p.m. that night. He entered the home without permission and would not depart after being told to leave, police said. Thomas then sexually and physically assaulted the victim, according to police. Thomas was charged with rape, indecent assault, strangulation, simple assault and criminal trespass. He remains in the Cambria County Prison and faces a Sept. 29 preliminary hearing before District Judge William Seger. Attorney Ryan Tutera, who represents Thomas, told the Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown that Thomas is innocent and looks forward to fighting the charges in court. "Jeffrey has worked very hard to protect the rights of victims in Somerset County and it's hard for me to believe these allegations are true," Tutera said. "We believe there's more to this story than what is being told." State Attorney General Josh Shapiro called the charges against Thomas "deeply disturbing." "Mr. Thomas is entrusted by the public to uphold the law and serve as a voice for victims," Shapiro said. "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." Thomas was elected district attorney in 2019, defeating incumbent Lisa Lazzari-Strasiser. He took office in January 2020. Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.