A junior firefighter with Whitehall Township Fire Department has been arrested for indecent assault and related charges.

In an Oct. 30 news release, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Whitehall Township Police Chief Michael Marks announced the arrest of Koda Gaffney, 21, of Allentown. Gaffney is charged with a felony count of corruption of minors, two misdemeanor counts of indecent assault, three misdemeanor counts of corruption of minors (aids, abets, entices), three misdemeanor charges of selling/furnishing liquor/malt/brewed beverages and a summary charge of sale of tobacco to a minor (furnishes).

“Gaffney surrendered to authorities Oct. 30 and was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Todd Heffelfinger, who set bail at $25,000,” the news release stated.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 6.

“On Oct. 13, Whitehall Township Police Department was notified by the township’s human resources and fire officials of a potential assault involving a 14-year-old girl and Gaffney,” according to the news release.

The investigation revealed the assault took place Oct. 3 at the fire department’s annual Haunted Hayrides in the Parkway program, held Fridays and Saturdays in October at Whitehall Parkway, 4689 S. Church St.

“Investigators collected witness statements and conducted numerous interviews with the township’s fire department command staff, firefighters and event volunteers.

“A forensic interview was conducted with the victim, whose name will not be released. The victim stated Gaffney hugged her, ‘pushed onto her’ and kissed her on the lips while at the event.

“The victim told investigators she tried to push Gaffney away from her, but he continued to touch her. She said while seated alone in the back of a vehicle, Gaffney entered the vehicle and provided her with alcohol and a nicotine vape.

“While inside the vehicle, the victim said Gaffney kissed her, rubbed her stomach and forced the victim to lie on top of him.

“As the investigation continued, police identified two other juvenile victims, who said Gaffney also provided them with alcohol as well,” the news release stated.

Fire Chief Mark Bilder, in an Oct. 15 news release posted to social media, said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Whitehall Township haunted parkway event is canceled for the remainder of the 2026 season.”

At that time, no reason was given for the cancellation of the program, which is a major fundraiser for fire department.

This case was investigated by Whitehall Township Police Department Detective Alexander Reinik and will be prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Sara A. Moyer.