Claims That SEPTA Passengers Filmed Rape 'Simply Untrue': DA

UPPER DARBY — Allegations made by other law enforcement sources that SEPTA passengers took videos of the rape of a woman on their cell phones "for their own gratification" are false, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said in a news briefing Thursday. The focus of police is now on maximizing their chances at prosecuting the suspect, 35-year-old Fiston Ngoy by encouraging witnesses to come forward.

SEPTA surveillance video does show that two people had their phones out near the assault, but police believe there was no ill intent. One of these individuals was probably the person who eventually submitted an anonymous tip to authorities about the assault.

No bystanders will be charged.

"I want to be very clear about this," Stollsteimer said. "There is no law in Pennsylvania that makes it a crime to witness a crime and not do anything about it. You are no under no criminal obligation to intervene and put yourself at risk."

The announcement comes a day after authorities said that they had no plans to pursue charges against individuals who witnessed the assault, which went on for some 40 minutes and 24 train stops while passengers seemingly stood by and did nothing, not even call 911.

It's presently not clear, officials noted, how many passengers actually may have witnessed the assault. The actual car where the assault took place was not very crowded, Stollsteimer said.

SEPTA police had initially said that numerous people had filmed the assault, but Stollsteimer said that what security footage actually showed was people on their phones as they got on and off the train.

"(But it) doesn’t mean when they get on and they see people interacting, that they know a rape is occurring," he said.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with any information on the case to come forward. If you have any information, contact the Delaware County District Attorney's Office at 610-891-4161.