Suspects in Binghamton "Colonial" Rape Investigation Arraigned

The three men charged by Binghamton police in connection with an incident linked to owners of The Colonial bar have been indicted on felony charges.

According to the Broome County district attorney's office, Jordan Rindgen, Yaron Kweller and Leor Kweller appeared in court Thursday. They entered "not guilty" pleas during their arraignment before Judge Carol Cocchiola.

The men were arrested following a lengthy investigation by city detectives into an incident that allegedly occurred November 27 a short distance from The Colonial.

Rindgen and Yaron Kweller were members of the bar's ownership group at the time. Leor Kweller of Brooklyn is Yaron Kweller's brother.

Rindgen is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, sexual abuse, criminal sexual act, criminal facilitation and unlawfully dealing with a child.

Yaron Kweller is charged with rape and criminal sexual act. Leor Kweller is charged with rape and sexual abuse.

A public relations firm issued a statement on behalf of the attorneys for the three men who were arraigned in the case: “The story being told is not true. Jordan Rindgen, Yaron Kweller and Leor Kweller are innocent of all charges. We eagerly await our day in court.”

According to an email from HeraldPR president Juda Engelmayer, Rindgen is being represented by attorney Tom Jackson; Yaron Kweller is being represented by attorney Paul Battisti; and Leor Kweller is represented by attorneys Andrea Zellan and Elena Fast.

In a news release, District Attorney Michael Korchak said: "These are very serious allegations, however, I am not permitted at this time to discuss the facts of the case. The facts will be presented in court as the process moves forward."

As part of the process, defense attorneys will file pretrial motions on behalf of their clients.

The case has received significant publicity in the Binghamton and New York City areas since word of possible criminal activity began circulating on social media.

In December, hundreds of people marched downtown to express concerns about the allegations and the police investigation.

This story was updated to include the statement released on behalf of the men who have been charged.

A demonstration in front of The Colonial on Court Street on December 11, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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