Kendall Stephens, a prominent LGBTQ+ activist in the Philadelphia community, has been arrested and charged with raping two minors.
The arrest came on Monday, Dec. 18 following an investigation into sexual assaults that occurred in September 2023, according to information from Philadelphia police.
Stephens, 37, who previously survived a violent hate crime in 2020, now faces serious charges including two counts of Rape, Indecent Assault, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Corruption of Minors, and other related charges.
The LGBTQ+ activist gained attention in 2020 when she became the victim of a brutal hate crime in her Point Breeze home.
The attacker, identified as Tymesha Wearing, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and conspiracy in connection with the incident.
Wearing was subsequently sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months of house arrest with electronic monitoring, along with additional conditions such as community service, a letter of apology to Stephens, and participation in a court-monitored anger management program.
The recent charges against Stephens mark a dramatic turn in her public narrative, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the new allegations. The investigation is still ongoing, and details about the specific incidents have not been fully disclosed.
Bail for Kendall Stephens has been set at $500,000, indicating the severity of the charges she is facing. The legal proceedings will shed more light on the case as it continues to develop.
The Philadelphia community, initially familiar with Stephens as an LGBTQ+ activist, now grapples with the unexpected and serious nature of the charges against her.
