Rape suspect to stand trial

Kenneth E. Allen, accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old male at gunpoint last year, is scheduled to stand trial July 23.

In July 2006, Allen allegedly lured the victim to his room at the Parker Spruce Hotel, 261 S. 13th St., by offering him drugs.

PGN does not publish the names of alleged sexual-assault victims.

Once inside the hotel room, Allen allegedly pulled out a gun and told the victim, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.”

According to court records, the victim decided not to resist, and endured two brutal sexual assaults, which involved penetration aggressive enough to cause anal bleeding.

Allen wore a condom during both alleged assaults, according to court records.

Two days later, the victim and his boyfriend allegedly spotted Allen standing on the corner of 13th and Spruce streets and flagged down a patrol officer, who arrested Allen.

In addition to rape, Allen is charged with false imprisonment, unlawful restraint, possessing an unlicensed firearm and related charges.

Jury selection for Allen’s trial is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 23 in Courtroom 702 of the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St.

Common Pleas Judge John J. O’Grady will preside over the trial.

Driver cited in fatality

Roland Bottom, the motorist who struck and killed trans woman Erika Keels, has been issued a traffic citation for failing to wear corrective lenses at the time of the incident.

“[The ticket] can be disposed of by paying a $125.50 fine,” said Sgt. D.F. Pace, a Philadelphia police department spokesperson.

Pace said Bottom was issued the citation at the end of June.

Keels, 20, was struck by Bottom while crossing Broad Street, just north of Thompson Street, at 5:04 a.m. March 21, police said.

Her body traveled about 65 feet, bouncing off a parked car and completely shattering its rear window before landing near a fire hydrant.

She died two days later due to multiple injuries.

Bottom, 70, failed to comply with the requirement of wearing corrective lenses while driving, as stipulated on his driver’s license, police said.

In addition, Bottom told police he was traveling about 45 miles per hour. The speed limit on Broad Street is 25 miles per hour.

Pace said Bottom will not be cited for speeding.

Pace declined to respond to questions of why police would disregard the driver’s alleged admission that he was speeding.

Pace also said police don’t plan to recommend vehicular-homicide charges against Bottom, nor do they intend to seek a medical exam of Bottom to determine the extent of his visual impairment.

“The investigation does not warrant such an action,” Pace said.

The Police Accident Investigation Division will submit a summary of its investigation to the District Attorney’s Office, who will decide whether or not to bring charges.

“It’s still a police investigation, and we have no additional comment,” Cathie Abookire, a spokesperson for DA’s office said July 17.

— Timothy Cwiek

Lesbian breast conference

Gilda’s Club Delaware Valley will host “Lesbians and Breast Cancer: A Conference for Lesbians and Their Support Network” from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with a reception from 3-5 p.m. July 29 at Holly Hedge Estates, 6987 Upper York Road, New Hope.

Gilda’s Club, named after the late comedian Gilda Radner, focuses on helping people living with cancer by giving victims and their family members life-changing emotional and social support.

In 1998, a group of volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors, decided to start a local chapter of Gilda’s Club in Bucks and Montgomery counties and opened to the public in 2002 offering workshops and lectures led by licensed professionals.

Attendance for the conference is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information, call (215) 441-3290 ext. 107 or e-mail kelly@gildasclubdelval.org.

PCHR announces online filing

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations announced on July 10 that citizens can now file complaints with the agency online at its new Web site at www.phila.com/humanrelations.

“This Web site is another step taken toward providing greater services for our citizens,” Jack Fingerman, PCHR public relations officer, said in a statement. “Now people can learn about our services or actually begin the process of filing a claim for assistance on their own time in their own home. This enhances our ability to dialogue with the public in a more efficient manner.”

The PCHR enforces the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and the delivery of city services.

The PCHR also receives and reviews applications from same-sex couples who wish to register their relationships and receive a Certificate of Life Partnership.

— Larry Nichols