Man allegedly rapes, chokes sleeping woman

West Milton, Pa. — A Union County man is accused of raping a woman who fell asleep in a living room.

Police arrested Daniel Edward Pendergrass, 30, of West Milton, after responding to the scene on July 14 at a home in Kelly Township. Trp. Brett Harvey of state police at Milton spoke with the female accuser. Harvey noted she had visible red, black, and blue bruises on her neck, face, back area of her neck, and arms, according to the affidavit.

The accuser told police she and Pendergrass drank alcohol earlier in the day and had a discussion about their relationship status. The accuser fell asleep on an inflatable mattress in the living room. She awoke a short time later to Pendergrass allegedly lying on top of her having sexual intercourse.

The accuser told police she then began screaming and attempted to get Pendergrass off of her. That's when Pendergrass put his hands on her face and throat area preventing her from breathing, according to the affidavit. Pendergrass pushed the accuser against the wall and smashed her head on the wall multiple times.

The accuser was able to text a family member, who came to the home and called 911. Pendergrass ran out the front door, according to the affidavit.

When police caught up with Pendergrass, he admitted to having sexual intercourse with the accuser for approximately five minutes until she woke up, according to the affidavit. Pendergrass also reportedly admitted to choking the accuser.

Pendergrass is charged with felony counts of rape, aggravated assault, strangulation, and related charges. On-call District Judge Scott A. Ziegler set bail at $50,000.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 25 at the office of District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe in Lewisburg.

Docket Sheet