Knorr Trial Setting Scheduled For Feb. 26

A Sullivan man facing charges for rape, sodomy, burglary, tampering with a vehicle and theft has a trial setting tentatively scheduled for February 26 in Iron County — two years to the day he was taken into custody.

Joseph Knorr, 43, was arrested two years ago after he allegedly broke into a home in Bourbon, raped a woman and escaped.

The incident allegedly happened February 6 and it led to an extensive search for Knorr that lasted nearly three weeks.

Since the alleged rape happened so close to the Bourbon elementary and middle school and Knorr was at-large, the campuses were put on lockdown.

Charges were initially filed against Knorr in February 2018 for burglary.

Knorr allegedly broke into a home on Frontier Street in Bourbon, pointed a pistol at the victim and raped her.

The probable cause statement alleges that Knorr tied the victim to the bed and performed “deviate sexual intercourse.”

The victim told police she believed it was Knorr, who had been to her residence in the past and had previous conversations with him.

When police arrested him on February 26, 2018, he allegedly admitted to possessing the clothing he was said to be wearing and the restraints used to tie the victim down.

Knorr allegedly told police that he and the victim had planned to go on a date, but it fell through. He also admitted to being at her residence before.

After allegedly committing the rape, Knorr is accused of breaking into a residence on Old Highway 66. Entry was made into the residence and a .38 caliber revolver and motorized scooter was taken.

A phone belonging to Knorr was left behind in the basement.

A jury trial was initially scheduled for December 17, 2019, but was canceled. Another trial setting was scheduled for January 13-16 before it was canceled.