Suspect allegedly raped children, teens he met at NYC-area homeless shelters
08/03/2026 8:00 pm PDT
NEW YORK CITY (TCN) -- A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with 30 counts related to the alleged rape and sexual abuse of several children and teens.
From January 2018 to May 2026, Stephen Charles allegedly abused five boys ranging in age from 10 to 18, as well as a 13-year-old girl, WPIX reports. According to the Gothamist, one of the alleged victims was a family member. Charles allegedly met the others at various homeless shelters in the New York City area.
On July 31, Charles was charged with more than 30 counts relating to the alleged incidents, including predatory sexual assault against a child, rape, use of a child in sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child, and endangering the welfare of a child. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 3, per the Gothamist.
The Mercury News reports Charles was arrested in June in connection with the alleged abuse of the family member; the status of that case is not clear.
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