Bronx man arrested in alleged yearslong child sex abuse case
Police say Stephen Charles, of Edenwald, was arrested on July 31 following an ongoing investigation into allegations that multiple victims, ranging in age from 10 to 18 years old, were sexually abused between January 2018 and May 2026 in The Bronx.
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A 42-year-old Bronx man has been arrested in connection with an alleged eight-year child sexual abuse investigation involving six victims, according to police.
Police said Stephen Charles, of Edenwald, was arrested July 31 following an ongoing investigation into allegations that multiple victims, ranging in age from 10 to 18, were sexually abused between January 2018 and May 2026 at multiple locations throughout the Bronx.
Charles faces numerous charges, including predatory sexual assault against a child, rape, course of sexual conduct against a child, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child, possessing a sexual performance by a child and endangering the welfare of a child.
The arrest has left neighbors in Edenwald neighborhood shocked.
Carolin Goodin, who shared a wall with Charles at a multifamily home at 3535 Grace Ave., said she never suspected what investigators now allege was happening inside the residence.
"We always hear knocking and tumbling down in there, but we never really know exactly what was going on," Goodin said.
Goodin said learning about the allegations has been especially upsetting because she has a daughter of her own.
"I have a daughter. And for me to know this just now, that's not right," she said. "Oh, Lord have mercy. I'm not happy with that."
Neighbors also expressed concern about the home's location. The residence sits directly across the street from a Catholic high school and about a block from several other schools.
Elaine Martin, another neighbor, said children also lived in another unit of the multifamily home. She said Charles appeared to be an ordinary neighbor.
"Sometimes you just come up and maybe if you see the person, you know, say good morning, good evening. But that's about it," Martin said.
Police have not released additional details about the investigation but said formal charging documents outlining the alleged pattern of abuse are expected to be released.
Charles remained in police custody Saturday and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning in Bronx Criminal Court.
