West County Teen Charged in Sexual Assault of 14-Year-Old

The following information was supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction where an arrest was made.

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Manchester police arrested and obtained charges against Joshua D. Witkowski, 19, of the 200 block of Ballwin Avenue in Winchester for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female. 

"DNA evidence was used to link Witkowski to this crime," Manchester police stated in a news release.

Manchester Police Sgt. Dan Rehm said Witkowski was originally arrested by Manchester police on May 16, but then released pending further investigation and application of warrants.

He was charged last week with felony sexual assault and then rearrested Tuesday by St. Louis County police.

"I believe he has the capacity to be violent," Rehm tells Patch. "This was a non consentual act. The victim in no way consented and this was against her will."

Rehm said sexual assault is defined as "A person commits the crime of sexual assault if he or she has sexual intercourse with another person knowing that he or she does so without that persons consent."

Rehm said Witkowski and the alleged victim are "very distant acquaintances who met several years ago," but only had contact every several months. 

"It was reported to a school counselor who contacted police," Rehm said.

According to Witkowski's Facebook page, he attended Parkway South High School. A spokesperson with Parkway confirms Witkowski attended the school, but stated in an email to Patch that he did not graduate.

Patch also found Witkowski soliciting dates on the online dating website DateHookup.com, but his profile is now inaccessible

Investigators said Witkowski is in the St. Louis County Jail on $15,000 bond. 

Authorities said during the investigation they learned other girls were likely assaulted by Witkowski.

"We're just interested in speaking with any other possible victims that might be out there," Rehm tells Patch. "We believe they would most likely be from the West County area."

Detectives are asking other possible victims to contact the Manchester Police Department at 636-227-1410 or 636-527-9200.

Anonymous tips can be made to the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers at 866-317-TIPS (8477).