On July 28, 2021, Joel Steinhoff (4/13/73), a resident of Scotia, pled guilty to 2 counts of Rape in the Third Degree, a class E felony. He admitted to having sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 17 years old on two separate dates.
The above pleas took in full satisfaction a twelve-count indictment including allegations involving 8 counts of Rape in the Third Degree for having sexual intercourse with someone under the age of 17, 3 counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree for oral sexual contact with a person under the age of 17, and 1 count of Endangering the welfare of a child for engaging in a sexual relationship with a child under the age of 17 from July 2020 through December 6, 2020. The allegations involved Mr. Steinhoff having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old victim who was known to him. The acts occurred at Mr. Steinhoff’s house in Scotia.
Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney stated “Acting on a tip from someone with knowledge of the crime, the Scotia police conducted a thorough investigation led by Detective Mike Peckham that secured the cooperation of the victim and through the execution of search warrants obtained corroborating documentary and forensic evidence. Members of the County Child protective Services interviewed the victim at the Child Advocacy Center. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Maria Apruzzese. I thank them all for their efforts to hold this perpetrator to account for his predatory behavior.”
In aggregate, Mr. Steinhoff will be sentenced to 7 years in prison, with 10 years of post-release supervision. In addition, Mr. Steinhoff will have to register as a sex offender and a full stay away order of protection will be issued for the victim. The plea was taken by the Honorable Matthew J. Sypniewski. Mr. Steinhoff will be sentenced on September 22, 2021.
The People are represented by Assistant District Attorney Maria Apruzzese. The Defendant is represented by John Della Ratta. For further information contact Assistant District Attorney Maria Apruzzese 518-388-4725.