Colonial Co-Owner Kweller: Allegations "Absolutely False"

One of the owners of a Binghamton bar arrested after a lengthy police investigation has issued a statement following his court appearance.

41-year-old Yaron Kweller of Vestal has been charged with third-degree rape, a felony. A "not guilty" plea was entered on Kweller's behalf Wednesday during his arraignment in Binghamton City Court.

A public relations firm provided a brief statement from Kweller Wednesday night: "The allegations filed against me today are absolutely false. I look forward to clearing my name in Court."

Kweller and another partner in The Colonial on Court Street were arrested following a police investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred November 27 at 141 Washington Street.

33-year-old Jordan Rindgen of Binghamton was charged with two felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance.

A "not guilty" plea was entered on behalf of Rindgen during his city court arraignment.

Thomas Jackson, an attorney representing Rindgen, on Thursday said his client had no comment on the charges.

Kweller and Rindgen are among the owners of three downtown establishments: The Colonial, Dos Rios Cantina and Stone Fox Bar & Pizza.

All three businesses were closed for weeks after reports about allegations involving the ownership group started to circulate on social media.

The businesses have issued no public comment since police announced charges had been filed against Kweller and Rindgen.

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

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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