A famous transgender LGBT activist in Philadelphia, who campaigned for and endorsed several top Democrats in the state, was arrested this week on multiple accusations, including rape and abuse on two young boys.
Kendall Stephens, 37, was arrested on Monday and charged with rape, involuntary assault, unlawful contact with minors, and indecent assault against two victims under the age of 13, as well as accusations of corruption of juveniles and endangering child welfare.
Stephens, a transgender woman who is biologically male, rose to fame in 2020 after being the victim of a terrible crime that many feel was a hate crime, with the attacker, Tymesha Wearing, eventually pleading guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia.
“Nearly three years ago, Kendall Stephens endured a terrifying crime that was intended to demean and silence her,” District Attorney Larry Krasner stated.
“Instead, Ms. Stephens continues to speak out strongly on behalf of other gay victims of violent crime, even while pursuing graduate degrees. This criminal matter has been resolved, but Ms. Stephens will continue to fight for the respect, support, and protections that LGBT people deserve to live safely, freely, and joyfully.”
The arrest of Stephens triggered a social media firestorm, with some pointing out Stephens’ ties to numerous political campaigns and others arguing the penalty for the alleged offenses should be severe.
In an Instagram post last year, Stephens thanked Sen. Bob Casey for “giving me a platform to speak,” adding that Casey was a “true ally to the community.”
“Kendall campaigned for Governor of Pennsylvania (D),” LibsofTikTok said on X, accompanied by photographs of Kendall standing among notable Democrats from the Commonwealth. “Kendall also backed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner (D). He also considers Sen. Bob Casey (D) to be an ‘ally.'”
“37-year-old transgender Kendall Stephens has been arrested for allegedly r*ping two minors under the age of 13,” said Colin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, on X.” “This is why the death penalty exists.”
Fox News Digital contacted Krasner’s office but did not receive a response.
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“These allegations are abhorrent,” Gov. Josh Shapiro’s spokeswoman, Manuel Bonder, told Fox News Digital. “This individual should be prosecuted to the fullest extent and process of the law.”
“Senator Casey believes these allegations are disturbing, and that all violent crimes, including this one, should be prosecuted,” a representative for Sen. Casey told Fox News Digital.
The investigation into Stephens began in September, when the grandmother of one of the accused young victims told police that Stephens sexually assaulted her grandchild on multiple occasions, beginning when he was eight years old, according to NBC Philadelphia.
The second victim was given “gifts out of nowhere,” which the parents assumed were intended to “keep him quiet.” Stephens is also accused of warning one of the victims that if he told anybody about the encounter, he would face jail time.
Stephens’ bail is set at $500,000.