PHILADELPHIA, PA — Authorities arrested a well-known LGBTQ+ activist in Philadelphia on Monday, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving two minors. Kendall Stephens, 37, faces multiple charges including indecent assault against a person under 13, rape, unlawful contact with a minor for sexual offenses, and endangering the welfare of children.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is leading the case, taking over from the local district attorney due to a potential conflict of interest. Stephens, who has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, came into the public eye after reporting a physical attack in her neighborhood in August 2020, citing it as a hate crime against her identity as a trans woman.
Following the incident, Stephens emerged as a key figure in the fight for expanding hate crime statutes in Pennsylvania to encompass LGBTQ+ protections. She was seen in 2021 alongside District Attorney Larry Krasner and other activists at the launch of the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.
The case was presented to the state Attorney General’s Office due to the apparent conflict within Krasner’s office.
Stephens’ bail is set at $250,000, with her next court appearance scheduled for December 29.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, while not directly involved in the investigation, stated that they have no comment as another agency is handling the inquiry.
Further details about the investigation remain undisclosed at this time.