LANCASTER, PA — A New Holland man is facing serious charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a person with a mental disability. Matthew Souden, 42, of South Roberts Avenue, waived his preliminary hearing last Wednesday and is now set to face charges in Lancaster County Court.
Souden has been charged with two counts of rape of a person with a mental disability and three counts of indecent assault without consent. He remains in Lancaster County Prison on $750,000 monetary bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on January 26.
The New Holland Borough Police began their investigation into the allegations on September 26, 2023, following the victim’s disclosure of abuse involving sexual intercourse and inappropriate touching by Souden. Detectives interviewed Souden on October 10, during which he reportedly stated that the victim moved in with him in 2014 and admitted to the alleged abuse occurring.
Assistant District Attorney Jessica Collo is prosecuting the case, while New Holland Police Detective Heather Halstead filed the charges.
As with all criminal cases, it’s crucial to remember that these are allegations. Souden, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details provided are subject to change and additional information may emerge.
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