WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A 21-year-old Allentown man who served as a junior firefighter is facing charges after authorities say he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl during the Whitehall Township Fire Department’s Haunted Parkway event, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.
Koda Gaffney is charged with felony corruption of minors, along with misdemeanor indecent assault, misdemeanor corruption of minors, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and a summary count of selling tobacco to a minor.
Prosecutors say the incident happened Oct. 3 at the fire department’s annual event in the 4600 block of South Church Street. Township human resources and fire officials alerted police on Oct. 13.
According to the DA’s office, the girl told investigators Gaffney gave her alcohol and a nicotine vape while she was alone in the back of a vehicle, then kissed and touched her inappropriately despite her attempts to push him away.
The charges are allegations, and Gaffney is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Source: Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office
