WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A Lehigh County firefighter is facing criminal charges after allegedly groping a 14-year-old girl at a popular Halloween attraction in Whitehall Township.
Koda Gaffney, 21, is charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors, and other related offenses.
The arrest was made more than two weeks after popular event Haunted Parkway, sponsored by the Whitehall Fire Department, was suddenly cancelled for the rest of the season.
A person familiar with the investigation, who did not want to appear on camera with 69 News and asked to remain anonymous, said there are concerns within the fire department and community.
“The victim always has to be protected,” said the person. “Allegedly, in the beginning, there was denial because the girl was petrified of what may have happened. Someone brave and courageous spoke out. That’s what we have to recognize: being brave and courageous. Stand up and speak what’s right and speak your truth.”
Court paperwork said the alleged assault happened as the event was ongoing on October 3rd, but was reported to police on October 13th.
“The police should have been called that night,” the person said.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan confirmed that the incident was reported to police 10 days after it happened.
“Do you know why that was the case?” asked 69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle during an interview with Holihan.
“Because that’s when they told us,” said Holihan.
According to court paperwork, the girl told police Gaffney inappropriately touched and kissed her at the event and inside a vehicle.
“This involved two people who knew each other,” said Holihan.
The girl is reported to have attempted to push Gaffney away, but Gaffney allegedly continued to touch her.
The affidavit also said Gaffney gave the girl alcohol and a nicotine vape.
Police said two other juveniles claimed Gaffney also gave them alcohol.
Holihan said Gaffney will also be prosecuted in those cases.
“I realize there is a lot of community concern about the event being shut down and the Haunted Parkway, which was liked by a lot of people, in that they didn’t get to enjoy it this holiday season, but really that should be kind of the side note to the fact that there are allegations of indecent assault on a 14-year-old child, so that’s really our focus,” said Holihan.
As the investigation continues, Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney and Special Victims Unit Supervisor Sara Moyer said there are mandated reporters involved in the case and encouraged witnesses to come forward.
“Certainly, we encourage people who witness something or see something to follow through within their obligation to report that abuse so that we can properly investigate all of those allegations,” said Moyer.
69 News reached out to the Whitehall Fire and Police Chiefs but did not hear back.
Gaffney is being held at the Lehigh County Jail. Bail is set at $25,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 6.
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