Kendall Stephens, a well-known transgender LGBT activist from Philadelphia, who has previously campaigned for and endorsed several leading Democrats in the state, was arrested this week.
The charges brought against Stephens include the rape and assault of two young boys.
Stephens, 37, was taken into custody on Monday. The charges include rape, involuntary assault, unlawful contact with minors, and indecent assault against two victims under the age of 13. Additional charges include corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.
Stephens, a transgender woman who is biologically male, gained prominence in 2020 following a brutal crime against her, widely believed to be a hate crime. The perpetrator, Tymesha Wearing, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy, as reported by Fox 29 Philadelphia.
"Nearly three years ago, Kendall Stephens endured a frightening crime that was intended to demean and silence her," stated District Attorney Larry Krasner. "Instead, Ms. Stephens continues to speak out loudly on behalf of other queer victims of violent crime all while pursuing graduate studies. This criminal case is now closed, but Ms. Stephens will never stop fighting for the respect, support and protections that queer people deserve in order to live safely, freely and joyfully."
The arrest of Stephens has ignited a storm of reactions on social media, with many highlighting Stephens' connections to various political campaigns. Some argue that the punishment for the alleged crimes should be severe.
In a post on Instagram last year, Stephens shared a photo with Senator Bob Casey, expressing gratitude for "giving me a platform to speak," and labeling Casey as a "true ally to the community."
"Kendall campaigned for the Governor of PA (D)," posted LibsofTikTok, along with photos of Kendall standing with prominent Democrats in the state. "Kendall also supported the Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner (D). Hes also friendly with Sen. Bob Casey (D) and calls him an ally."
"37-year-old transgender Kendall Stephens has been arrested for allegedly raping two minors under the age of 13," posted Colin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics. "This is why the death penalty exists."
Fox News Digital attempted to contact the offices of Casey and Krasner but received no immediate response.
"These allegations are abhorrent," stated Manuel Bonder, spokesperson for Governor Josh Shapiro. "This individual should be prosecuted to the fullest extent and process of the law."
The investigation into Stephens began in September when a grandmother of one of the alleged victims reported to the police that her grandchild had been sexually assaulted by Stephens on multiple occasions, starting when the child was 8 years old, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.
The second victim reportedly received "gifts out of nowhere," leading the parents to suspect it was an attempt to "keep him quiet." It is also alleged that Stephens warned one of the victims that he would be jailed if he disclosed the encounter.
Stephens' bail has been set at $500,000.
Login