MEDIA, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A former Delaware County official took the stand on Wednesday in his defense against sexual harassment accusations from his former subordinates.
During the first two days of Timothy Boyce’s trial on charges of assault, harassment and lewd threatening, the prosecution called two women who said during his tenure as the county’s emergency services director, Boyce touched them inappropriately and without consent.
Both women claim he touched their buttocks, with one adding he tried to kiss her and the other saying he lifted her skirt to reveal her tattoos.
The defense started its case Wednesday morning with a cavalcade of character witnesses for Boyce that included friends, neighbors and coworkers.
Boyce took the stand in his own defense. At times, he cried recalling the emotional distress he said he was under since the case started. He also admitted to having an affair with a coworker, who was not one of the two accusers, and spoke of how the case forced him to get help for suicidal thoughts.
His defense has maintained this case is political, stemming from Democrats taking control in the county and wanting to remove all Republican leadership.
The trial is expected to go at least one more day. If convicted on all charges, Boyce faces at least 10 years in prison.
