Plea Deal Closes Dark Chapter: New Kensington Man Sentenced as Rape Charge Dismissed

A harrowing legal saga has concluded for a New Kensington man, Brandon Allen, 30, who was recently sentenced to 6 to 12 years in state prison following a plea agreement. The resolution saw a grave rape charge against him dismissed, even as he admitted guilt to several other serious felony offenses in Westmoreland County.

Allen, whose address was listed on Logan Avenue, accepted responsibility for charges including strangulation, aggravated assault, and terroristic threats.

The plea was formally approved by Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani. This agreement emerged from negotiations between Assistant District Attorney Mike Pace and Allen’s defense counsel, Mark Lancaster.

The charges stemmed from a disturbing incident in December 2021.

Authorities reported that a woman accused Allen of sexually assaulting and choking her. The victim recounted being held against her will, initially in a vehicle, and subsequently at Allen's New Kensington residence. The initial charges filed against Allen were extensive and severe, including rape, strangulation, aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, and false imprisonment.

A critical factor influencing the plea deal was the victim’s reluctance to testify in court.

According to court records, the victim expressed that she was exhausted by the prolonged legal process and the emotional strain of waiting for the case to conclude. She had sought treatment for the trauma she endured, highlighting the profound impact such experiences have on survivors.

Beyond the primary case, Allen also faced additional legal troubles that were wrapped into the comprehensive plea agreement.

He pleaded guilty to a count of possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) originating from a separate incident in February 2022. Furthermore, other charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest, from an August 2022 case, were also dismissed as part of this extensive legal resolution.

The sentencing of 6 to 12 years in state prison marks a significant conclusion to a complex case that underscored the challenging realities of the justice system, particularly when victims face the difficult decision of pursuing trial or accepting a plea agreement.