Attempted Rape Suspect Held on $25K Bail

A Portsmouth man charged with attempting to rape a woman in the city on Monday was ordered held on $25,000 cash bail on Tuesday morning in Hampton District Court.

Steven Morin, 45, no fixed address, Portsmouth, was arraigned via video from the Rockingham County Jail in Brentwood after he was charged with four counts of attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault, false imprisonment and simple assault.

Portsmouth Police Prosecutor Rena DiLando told District Court Judge Daniel Cappielo that Morin has a lengthy criminal history with the Police Department that dates back to 2002. She said Morin was taken into protective custody for alcoholism five times in 2011 and 2010.

He also pleaded guilty to aggravated driving while intoxicated and conduct after an accident. Morin has also been convicted of theft, wilful concealment and other charges, DiLando said.

She said Morin was currently serving a suspended six-month sentence after he pleaded guilty in March 2011 to possession of a controlled narcotic drug and police prosecutor David Colby will file a motion in Portsmouth District Court to enforce the suspended sentence.

"He is a danger to the community. He has a lengthy substance abuse and alcoholism history. He is homeless," said DiLando. She added that Morin is not employed and has a history of not appearing in court when ordered.

Cappielo granted DiLando's requested bail conditions, which also call for Morin to not have any contact with the alleged female victim, waive extradition, and not to possess any weapons or use any alcohol or drugs.

Cappielo scheduled a probable cause hearing on March 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Portsmouth District Court.

Morin was arrested by Portsmouth Police on Monday afternoon after they responded to a State Street apartment to do a well-being check on a female subject at the request of her friend who was concerned that she was in an unsafe situation. 

Police officers found the victim accompanied by Morin and their investigation determined the victim was being held against her will and that the police officers arrived before Morin could sexually assault the victim, according to Portsmouth Police Capt. Corey MacDonald, commander of the State of New Hampshire Internet Crime Against Children Task Force.

According to the court affidavit filed by Portsmouth Police Officer Michael Kotsonis, Morin attempted to confine the female victim to the bathroom of the residence and would not allow her to leave the bathroom unless she allowed him to sexually assault her.

MacDonald said the case is still actively under investigation and anyone with any information about this case is asked to call Officer Michael Kotsonis of the Portsmouth Police Department or remain anonymous by calling crime stoppers at 603-431-1199 or visit the web site at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.org.