Northampton County District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta announced April 30 that Donald Steven Lorish, of Bethlehem, has been convicted of crimes related to an attempted sexual assault of a minor.

During the month of July, 2024, the Colonial Regional Police Department, in partnership with the Homeland Security Investigations - Human Trafficking Taskforce, conducted an operation in Hanover Township, an undercover officer was posing as a 15-year-old male on Grindr, a website known for being utilized to meet individuals for sexual acts. During the operation, the officer was contacted by Lorish.with whom he engaged in explicit conversations regarding sexual acts, including oral sex. Lorish was informed of the purported minor’s age.

On July 22, 2024, Lorish arranged to meet at a pre-determined location on Overlook Drive in Hanover Township. Upon his arrival, detectives apprehended him. A subsequent search of Lorish’s phone confirmed the presence of the Grindr conversations and they verified that Lorish was aware that he was communicating with an individual he believed to be 15 years old.

Following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge Michael J. Koury, Lorish was found guilty of attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, attempted statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and criminal use of a communication facility. These convictions carry a combined maximum sentence of up to 67 years in state prison.