A Newport School Board member is charged with sexual assault. Stephen Peters, Jr., 47, is accused of assaulting the victim Monday night in a home in Newport Borough. According to court documents, Peters was intoxicated and continued to ask the victim for sex. She repeatedly refused and says Peters eventually pulled her pants off, breaking the top button. The victim says Peters started to perform oral sex on her, despite her kicking, punching, pushing and telling him to stop. The victim did manage to break away from Peters and call 911.
Police say they looked at the victim’s phone and saw over 50 text messages Peters sent the victim, including some he sent after knowing the victim was taken to the hospital for a rape kit. The texts were of a harassing nature, according to documents. When interviewed, Peters told police the oral sex was consensual.
Police charged Peters with felony counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and sexual assault as well as misdemeanor charges of stalking, indecent assault without consent and harassment. Peters is tentatively scheduled to appear Sept. 12 for a preliminary court hearing before Magisterial District Judge Michael E. Schechterly.
Peters posted bail and according to the Newport School District website, resigned his position on the school board.
