Sex offender is arrested on attempted rape charge
Kiernan M. Schalk, Sentinel reporter, kschalk@lewistownsentinel.comLEWISTOWN - On Sunday, police arrested a registered sex offender on charges of attempted rape and other related offenses.
William C. Stidfole's history of sexual based offenses reaches back to 1987, when he was convicted of rape, according to the Pennsylvania State Police Megan's Law Web site.
In an unrelated incident to either one of the above cases, Stidfole was arrested and charged in January 2006 on rape and other charges, however in this case, a jury found him not guilty on July 12, 2007.
In a addition, Stidfole has on several occasions failed to comply with the requirements under Megan's Law, including notifying the Pennsylvania State Police when moving to a new residence, court documents indicate.
The newest case against Stidfole stems from an alleged incident on Sunday at a residence on state Route 522 North, in Derry Township, police said.
According to court documents, the Mifflin County Regional Police Department responded to the above location for a reported assault on a female.
Police said they were met at the scene by Catherine Sheaffer, who claimed that a juvenile told her that Stidfole was "trying to rape (someone) ... please help me."
According to court documents, Sheaffer, along with a juvenile, witnessed Stidfole attempt to have sex with the alleged victim while another man was lying next to her in the bed.
When Stidfole was caught by Sheaffer, a verbal argument ensued and Stidfole threatened Sheaffer with physical violence, court documents indicate.
Police said when they took Stidfole into custody, he was visibly intoxicated and had a bandage around his left hand.
Stidfole told police he had fallen earlier that evening and cut his hand, court documents indicate.
When police entered the residence where the incident took place, they found the alleged victim in bed, and she was "extremely tired and intoxicated," court documents indicate.
Police said they found blood on the bed sheet, which they suspect is Stidfole's.
Stidfole was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Jack Miller and place in the Mifflin County Correctional Facility in lieu of $200,000 bail.
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Vigilante
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07-08-08 12:54 PM
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amen
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Annaquin
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07-08-08 11:22 AM
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I hope the people in that jury are thinking twice about their decision in light of recent facts. Also if he couldn't keep up with the requirements of Megan's Law why wasn't he back in jail? I think the first time you don't follow the guild lines you should get time back in the next time lock them up and throw away the key.
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harpo429
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07-08-08 10:44 AM
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I hope that this time he gets what he deserves. A long sentence and infertility. This guy has been a menace since the early 80's. I know him and he disgusts me. Please Mifflin County, get it right this time. He does not deserve to live on Lewistown streets.
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