(COLDWATER) – Charges have been filed against a suspect in an alleged incident that happened last summer.
Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien says 19 year old Orlando Trader of Homer has been arraigned on two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct. He plead not guilty and is being held in the Branch County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The alleged victim, a 16 year old girl, told the Branch County Sheriff’s Department that on July 16, 2022 she had been at an underage drinking party in Batavia Township, and was assaulted by Trader.
When investigators questioned Trader, he told them he never had any sexual encounters with the girl.
Trader is scheduled to have a probable cause hearing on February 9 and a preliminary examination on February 14.
(09-17-2025) • County Commission Hears Juvenile Division Family Court Annual Report
(09-17-2025) • Central Noble Schools Receiving Award For Environmental Excellence
(09-16-2025) • No Injuries In Angola Building Fire
(09-16-2025) • Coldwater Woman Arrested On Drug Charge
(09-16-2025) • SJC Superintendents Issue Statement On State Budget
(09-16-2025) • Tuesday Is Hometown Heroes Day At SJC Grange Fair
(09-15-2025) • Monday Is Kids Day At St. Joseph County Fair
(09-15-2025) • Coldwater To Start Micro Surfacing Roads Today
(09-13-2025) • St. Joseph County Grange Fair Starting Sunday
(09-13-2025) • Coldwater To Start Fall Hydrant Flushing On Monday
(09-13-2025) • Stolen Vehicle Found, Man Still At Large
(09-13-2025) • Tracy Quinn Announcing Run For Steuben County Prosecutor
(09-13-2025) • NE Indiana Lake And River Projects Awarded Funding
(09-12-2025) • Woman Arrested In Garrett For Firing Gun
(09-12-2025) • Sturgis City Commission Gets Update On Street Projects
(09-11-2025) • City Commission Approves Electric Shut Off Rules
(09-10-2025) • Elmet Technologies Secures $5.1 Million Strategic Order
(09-10-2025) • Carra And Lindsey Holding In District Office Hours Friday
(09-10-2025) • County Commission Holds Public Hearing CDBG Funding
(09-09-2025) • Randy Miller Issues Apology