Honk News (Pittsburgh, PA) – A woman from Pennsylvania has been taken into custody following accusations of inviting two teenage boys into her residence, providing them with alcohol, and trying to engage in sexual misconduct.
Pittsburgh police report that on January 8, two boys, aged 12 and 13, approached Rochelle Stewart, 64, with an offer to shovel snow in front of her home. The criminal complaint stated that Stewart offered the boys $5 to clear her walkway. As they finished their work, Stewart welcomed the boys inside, where she reportedly served them hot chocolate along with an assortment of alcoholic drinks.
According to authorities, Stewart made an unwelcome advance after they began consuming alcohol.
Authorities arrived promptly following a report of a burglary taking place in the vicinity around 9 p.m. on January 8. Upon reaching the area, officers discovered the two boys, who seemed to be intoxicated. Authorities reported in their statement that the young individuals “were communicating in a bewildering manner, claiming that a woman had just intoxicated them and made inappropriate contact.”
The boys recounted the same tale when questioned individually — as they toiled in the snow outside Stewart’s residence, the woman graciously welcomed them inside for some hot chocolate. She reportedly provided them with alcohol, including wine and vodka, which they consumed.
During the visit, after drinking, one of the boys reported to the police that Stewart placed her leg over his before attempting to touch him inappropriately.
The boys initially chose to depart, but they came back to the house afterward to collect a coat that one of them had forgotten. During their second visit, Stewart contacted law enforcement to report an ongoing burglary.
Authorities reported that Stewart refuted the initial visit, yet officers discovered the boy’s coat within her residence along with a partially consumed bottle of vodka. A video was captured by one of the boys during the alleged inappropriate encounter, showing Stewart reportedly rubbing the victim’s arm and shoulder.
Stewart has been apprehended and is now in custody at Allegheny County Jail following charges that include six misdemeanors: one count of indecent assault, one count of making a false police report, and two counts each of providing alcohol to minors and corruption of minors. According to court documents, she posted 10% of her $1,000 bail and was released from custody on Thursday.
The upcoming court session is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 22.