BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — A 30-year-old man has confessed to charges of attempting to rape an acquaintance and illegal weapon possession in Broome County Court. Karl Calhoun’s plea is part of a resolution that could see him spend a significant amount of time behind bars.
Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti announced that Calhoun faces a sentence of 10 years for attempted rape and an additional seven years for the weapon-related charge. These sentences will run consecutively, escalating the duration of his incarceration.
The charges stem from a disturbing incident on Aug. 24, when Calhoun reportedly assaulted a woman at a residence in Vestal. During the attack, which escalated to physical violence, he struck the victim multiple times and attempted to strangle her while forcibly removing her clothing. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape and seek safety.
The incident was recorded on surveillance cameras, prompting a rapid response from the Vestal Police Department. After reviewing the footage, officers were able to identify Calhoun as a suspect. On Sept. 5, police initiated a traffic stop connected to the case and discovered a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, containing nine live rounds, concealed under the driver’s seat of the car he was operating.
District Attorney Battisti condemned Calhoun’s actions, describing the assault as a “brutal and violent attack.” He emphasized the severity of possessing a loaded firearm in the wake of such a crime, stating that it poses a danger to the community. Battisti expressed gratitude for the diligent efforts of the Vestal Police, affirming the commitment of his office to protect victims and hold violent offenders accountable.
Calhoun is scheduled for sentencing in January, where the court will finalize his punishment. The case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns regarding safety and crime in the region, highlighting the importance of swift justice in addressing violent offenses.