EIGHT COUNT INDICTMENT IN MIDDLETOWN RAPE CASE

DELHI – Delaware County District Attorney, Shawn J. Smith, announced today that the Delaware County Grand Jury returned an 8 Count Indictment against Edward Batka, 61, of Fleischmanns on September 26. Per office policy, the victims’ identities will be kept confidential.

Count One alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class B Felony of Rape in the First Degree on or about September 1, 2025. That count alleges that the defendant forcibly compelled the victim to engage in oral sexual contact.

Count Two alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class B Felony of Rape in the First Degree on or about September 1, 2025. That count alleges that the defendant forcibly compelled the victim to engage in vaginal sexual contact.

Count Three alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class D Felony of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree on or about September 1, 2025. That count alleges that the defendant forcibly compelled the victim to engage in digital penetration.

Count Four alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class A Misdemeanor of Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, on or about September 1, 2025.

Count Five alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class A Misdemeanor of Unlawful Dealing with a Child in the First Degree on or about September 1, 2025. That count alleges that he did cause an alcoholic beverage to be given to a person less than 21 years old.

Count Six alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class B Felony of Rape in the First Degree on or about September 4, 2025. That count alleges that the defendant forcibly compelled the victim to engage in oral sexual contact.

Count Seven alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class B Felony of Rape in the First Degree on or about September 4, 2025. That count alleges that the defendant forcibly compelled the victim to engage in vaginal sexual contact.

Count Eight alleges that Edward Batka committed the Class D Felony of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree on or about September 4, 2025. That count alleges that the defendant forcibly compelled the victim to engage in digital penetration.

Assistant District Attorneys Rachael Collins and Richard D. Northrup Jr. presented the case to the grand jury on September 25, 2025.

Batka was arraigned in Delaware County Court by the Honorable Judge John L. Hubbard on September 25, 2025. Due to the severity of the offenses alleged, the District Attorney’s Office requested that the defendant be remanded without bail.

District Attorney Shawn Smith commends Investigator Allyson Head and Trooper James Vlahakis of the New York State Police for their thorough investigation into this difficult case. Smith also thanked Safe Against Violence for their advocacy work in this case.

Indictments and Criminal Complaints are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Shawn J. Smith

District Attorney

Delaware County