On November 16, 2021 Sugarcreek Borough Police were dispatched to a residence in the Borough of Sugarcreek for the report of a sexual assault. Upon arrival officers spoke with the 24 year old victim. The victim identified the alleged suspect and provided details and information to the investigation.
Through a course of investigation and interviews officers were able to identify Paul Shoffstall, 46 of Franklin, as the suspect. During an interview with Shoffstall, he did admit to taking nude photographs of the victim during a time of her being extremely intoxicated and that the victim was unaware that the photographs were being taken. Shoffstall then used those photographs to coerce the victim to provide additional photographs, take video of the known victim, engage in sexual acts with the victim to include sexual intercourse.
Paul Shoffstall was charged with the following.
Rape – Felony 1 – 11 counts
Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse – Felony 1 – 2 counts
Sexual Assault – Felony 2 – 11 counts
Aggravated Indecent Assault – Felony 2 – 1 count
Indecent Assault – Felony 3 – 1 count
On November 24, 2021 Paul Shoffstall was arraigned before Magistrate Lowrey. Bail was set at $25,000. Unable to post bail, Shoffstall was placed into Venango County Jail.
Preliminary hearing is set for December 1, 2021 at 1:30 pm.