Woman sues recovery center after teen daughter allegedly raped by resident

GLASSPORT, Pa. — A mother is suing a Glassport recovery center after she says her teenage daughter was raped by a resident there in April.

Lynette Kohlmeyer filed the lawsuit against the Heuer House Outreach and Café after she says her 13-year-old daughter went missing from their home while playing outside.

“I told her she had 15 minutes, that she could play. She was playing with a 5- and 7-year-old, and when I come out 15 minutes later, she was gone,” Kohlmeyer said.

The community and police came out to look for her, then her daughter showed up at the police station and reported the rape.

The girl was able to direct police to the home where she said the man took her. Police arrested and charged Shakil Hairston.

Now Kohlmeyer wants the Heuer House shut down, claiming that while borough council members told her the house was licensed as a shelter for abused women, it is being used as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation location.

“This guy had a longstanding violent criminal history, multiple felonies, aggravated assault, attempted homicide. We question why he was even allowed to be there in the first place,” Kohlmeyer said. “Two days before this incident happens, he’s arrested for DUI and somehow makes his way back to the Heuer House.”

The owners of the home said they understand and recognize Kohlmeyer’s pain and are deeply saddened about what happened, but their center is cleared by the county to operate as a recovery house.

They say potential residents have to be cleared by a county certified center before entering the facility, but they were not aware of Hairston’s criminal background, and weren’t told that he was arrested for DUI when police dropped him off at their facility.

Since the incident happened, the owners say they’ve added more security. Because of that, they can see any movement in any part of the building at all times.

They also say they’ve added additional measures to thoroughly vet potential residents.

Kohlmeyer is planning a protest near the Heuer House, which will take place during the next borough council meeting.

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