Police search for more victims after college student charged with rape in Newburgh

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, March 5, 2021
Police search for more victims after college student charged with rape
A college student in Orange County, New York is facing sexual assault charges and police are looking for any other potential victims.

NEWBURGH, Orange County (WABC) -- A college student in Orange County, New York, is facing sexual assault charges, and police are looking for any other potential victims.

Anthony Pennachio, 19, is a student at Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh.

The Brooklyn resident is accused of sexually assaulting another student on the school's campus. He's now charged with first-degree rape.

The incident took place last weekend in a suite in the freshman dorm. Students were notified via email.

Police say during the course of the investigation, it was revealed there could be more victims.

If anyone has been victimized or knows someone who has, they are asked to contact the City of Newburgh Police Detective Erk Eltz at 845-569-7560.

Police say that Mount St. Mary College, a small private Catholic college with roughly 3,000 students, has been completely cooperative with the police department in their investigation.

The college released a statement saying, "Our main concern, as always, is the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff. Violence and sexual assault are completely at odds with the values of Mount Saint Mary College, and will not be tolerated on this campus."

Pennachio has pleaded not guilty and is free on bail. His Brooklyn-based attorney says his client denies the charges.

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