A man was recently convicted in Lancaster County Court of all charges regarding the rape of a victim in 2021.

Steele T. Helton, 52 of Columbia, was found guilty by jury after a two-day trial on October 19 of three felony counts: rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and sexual assault.

On January 27, 2021, the victim contacted Manor Township Police Department to report a sexual assault that occurred at a residence on Water Street in Columbia between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on January 16 and 17, 2021.

The victim identified Helton and said they had been living on the same property. The victim stated they had been hanging out with a group of people on the night of the incident and Helton had a “weird look” on his face all night.

After going to sleep, the victim awoke to Helton removing the victim’s pants.

After the victim confronted the defendant via phone, Helton apologized. Helton also confirmed he was present the night of the assault to police. 

Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle presided over the trial and will order sentence at a later date. As a second-strike sexual assault offender, Helton faces a mandatory 25 to 50-year sentence.

Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick prosecuted the case.

Manor Township Police Department Officer Colleen Tatara filed charges and testified at trial.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.