Overview
- Police arrested 42-year-old Stephen Charles and charged him with multiple felony counts tied to the alleged sexual abuse of six young people over an eight-year span.
- Authorities say the alleged victims include five males aged 10, 11, 13, 16 and 18 and a 13-year-old girl, and charges include predatory sexual assault, rape, criminal sexual act and multiple counts related to sexual performance of a child.
- Investigators say the allegations covered incidents across several Bronx neighborhoods and precincts and that at least three victims encountered Charles while staying in Bronx homeless shelters.
- The probe expanded after an unrelated June arrest for a family‑member assault prompted someone to report prior sexual abuse, and police used public appeals through Crime Stoppers and @NYPDTips before making the arrest.
- Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and they are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers as prosecutors gather more evidence and seek additional witnesses and victims, a process complicated by the long time span and multiple locations involved.