A 29-year-old Bucks County man has been charged with intending to subdue and sexually assault real estate agents by luring them into model homes, according to a press release from the Lehigh County District Attorney's office.
Frank A. Yeager, of 111 Hickory Lane, West Rockhill Township, was charged Friday after an investigation by State Police at Fogelsville and Berks-Lehigh Regional Police.
Police said he took steps toward committing the crimes.
Yeager is charged with one count of criminal attempt rape, two counts of carrying firearms without a license, and one count of possessing instruments of crime, a misdemeanor of the first degree, according to the prepared release.
He was arraigned through Central Booking by District Judge Michael Faulkner and sent to jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 21.
According to the release from the district attorney's office, an affidavit of probable cause alleges the following:
On Nov. 25, a saleswoman for Pulte Homes at 1613 Windmill Lane, Upper Macungie, reported to Berks-Lehigh Regional Police that a man came to her office and asked to see one of the model homes.
The woman told police that she did not feel comfortable with the man because he was acting in a strange manner; he did not ask for any information about the home. The woman said she told the man he could look at the home himself.
The woman reported the man stayed in the home for about 45 minutes and then returned to the sales office, saying there was a water leak in the model home. The man insisted the woman look at the leak but left abruptly when a male co-worker entered her office, the woman said.
The woman said she checked the model home and found no leak. The bedroom curtains had been pulled shut and the lights had been turned off.
The woman gave police a description of the man. An information bulletin was sent to numerous Lehigh Valley area real estate agents and offices and surrounding police agencies.
The investigation revealed that there were numerous reports from real estate agents of a man who matched the description, and a joint investigation was started with State Police. A description of the man’s truck and his registration number were obtained through the investigation.
Police determined the truck was registered to Frank Yeager of West Rockhill Township. Police executed search warrants of Yeager’s truck and his residence.
Police seized a knapsack that contained numerous objects, including matches, a lighter, scissors, knives, an electrical cable stripper package, binoculars, a black ski mask, gloves, a rope, two handguns and ammunition, a metal chain with padlocks and duct tape. Police also found a second roll of duct tape, a crow bar and realty brochures in the truck.
Police also found drawings and writings that detailed his plans, scheme and design.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation; and the defendant, Frank Adam Yeager, is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
If you have any concerns, have someone accompany you to an appointment or Open House. Make your first meeting in the office or a public place, if you can!! Don't agree to meet new clients alone in possibly precarious settings. Tell people where you are going and when to expect you back. If necessary dial a number of a colleague or friend and keep your phone connected in your pocket/purse when meeting someone. Keep a can of mace or something similar handy. Stay by doorways too-don’t be boxed in a room If accosted, fight back, run, yell, scream!! (Police have often stated that people who fight back are more likely to walk away than those who don't) Your personal safety should be paramount in all you do.