Man charged with assault in Branch County

A 19-year-old Homer man has been charged with offenses stemming from an incident in Branch County’s Batavia Township.

Branch County officials said Zach Stempien faces two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Authorities said the alleged victim is a 16-year-old girl, who alleged she was assaulted by Stempien at a party last July.

A probable-cause hearing is scheduled to take place Thursday and a preliminary examination Feb. 14.