Police: Local News Cameraman Used Job To Sexually Assault Woman

South Strabane Township police said a Pittsburgh news cameraman is accused of using his job to sexually assault a woman.

Police said Lenni Todd, 58, a camera man for WTAE, pretended to be doing a story when he inappropriately touched a woman on Wednesday.

Officers said Todd arrived in a station vehicle and had equipment with company logos. However, police said they later learned Todd was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident.

Police said Todd lied to the woman, saying he was going to film her for a story and that part of the story would be shared with the Animal Planet network.

According to police documents, the woman said Todd placed his hand inside her shirt and then grabbed her bare buttocks. Todd is also accused of taking photographs as her shirt was lifted up and as her pants were pulled down.

“The victim and her family are shocked. They didn't expect this. He came under the guise of a cameraman, so they were expecting a story, and what came out of this is something they wouldn't have believed," said South Strabane Detective John Bruner.

WTAE released a statement reading, "WTAE intends to fully cooperate with the police and their investigation. We have no further comment while the investigation is pending."

Bruner said Todd told officers he issued poor judgment and apologized to the victim and her family. He faces misdemeanor charges.

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