The Somerset County district attorney was arrested Wednesday and charged with raping and physically assaulting a female acquaintance, Pennsylvania State Police said.
DA Jeffrey Lynn Thomas faces rape, strangulation, criminal trespass and other charges following the incident in Windber on Saturday night, according to state police.
Mr. Thomas was arraigned Wednesday night. He is being held on $5,000 bail in the Cambria County Prison.
The arrest came a day after state police began investigating the alleged attack.
Police said Mr. Thomas entered the home of a female acquaintance and refused to leave after being told to get out of the house. The district attorney is then said to have sexually and physically assaulted the woman.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro called the charges against Mr. Thomas “deeply disturbing.”
“Mr. Thomas is entrusted by the public to uphold the law and serve as a voice for victims,” Mr. Shapiro said in a statement. “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.”
Mr. Thomas’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning before District Judge William E. Seger.
First Published: September 23, 2021, 2:09 a.m.