Convicted Cohoes sex offender facing new rape charges

COHOES — 29-year-old Pierce Hohenstein is facing charges including rape in the first degree, criminal sex act, and obstruction of breathing. There are five felonies.

Police say he attacked and forcibly raped an 18-year-old girl on Johnston Avenue in Cohoes.

“We actually received a call from the hospital where the victim had transported themselves to,” said Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin.

Authorities say the victim had bruising around her neck.

Investigators say the two knew each other. Hohenstein was arrested Thursday.

This is not his first brush with the law.

In November 2019, he was arrested by state police and his home was raided during an investigation into his internet activity. He pleaded guilty to a child pornography charge two years ago.

“That got him six months in Albany County Jail and the registration as a level one sex offender,” said Chief Waldin.

Level one is the least serious level. He was also sentenced to 10 years post-release probation.

But this recent rape case is not over. Police Chief Todd Waldin says more charges are expected to be filed.

“There’s going to be some more work done involving cellphones and computers and forensic analysis that may lead to more charges,” said Waldin.

Judge Thomas Marcelle sent Hohenstein to jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail and issued an order of protection for the victim.