On August 14, 2023 Sugarcreek Borough Police were advised of an ongoing issue with one of the residents at Sugar Valley Lodge. They advised that a known person had been making sexual remarks and making unwanted sexual physical contact with staff and residents.
An investigation was conducted by the Sugarcreek Borough Police to include interviews with known victims. The known female victims advised that Joseph McFeaters, 65 of Franklin, had been making sexual comments towards multiple victims as well as contacting staff in a sexual manner repeatedly.
It was also determined through the investigation that he had conducted these acts in front of a known juvenile victim.
Joseph McFeaters has been charged with the following:
Indecent Assault – Misdemeanor 2 (2 counts)
Harassment – Midemeanor 3 (15 counts)
Joseph McFeaters was arraigned before Magistrate Kirtland and given $5,000 unsecured bail.