A convicted rapist who left his victim struggling with suicidal thoughts and alcohol abuse avoided prison even after a New York jury found him guilty of rape. William Knapp Hathaway IV received 10 years of probation, leaving his victim Pamela Adelgren questioning how the justice system handled her case.
During sentencing, Hathaway said he now wanted a long-term relationship and hoped to become a good husband and father. Meanwhile, Adelgren is pursuing a civil lawsuit against him, hoping to secure accountability for an assault she says changed her life.
How a Tinder Date Ended in Rape
According to the New York Post, Adelgren met Hathaway through Tinder in February 2020, when she was 23 and hoping to build a career in New York's fashion industry. They went on a date at SoHo House, an exclusive members' club in Manhattan, before heading to Hathaway's apartment in the West Village.
Prosecutors said the encounter initially involved consensual sex, but Adelgren later told Hathaway to stop at least five times and pushed against his chest. He continued despite her objections, according to the prosecution, leading to his conviction for third-degree rape.
Adelgren stated: 'He took away a part of me that I can never have back. For what? To please himself. All he was thinking about was himself.'
A jury found Hathaway guilty on 24 April 2025, after hearing evidence about the encounter and Adelgren's account of what happened. Hathaway maintained his innocence, while his defence argued that Adelgren withdrew her consent approximately one minute before the sexual encounter ended.
Tinder date rape victim drags attacker to court after 'slap in the face' sentence https://t.co/JSHzqTXJHD pic.twitter.com/eQo9puvU3y
— New York Post (@nypost) October 28, 2026
Convicted Rapist Avoids Prison
On 19 August 2025, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Josh Hanshaft sentenced Hathaway to 10 years of probation instead of sending him to prison. The judge also ordered him to undergo sex offender treatment and register as a sex offender.
Prosecutors had sought a four-year prison sentence, arguing that the seriousness of the offence warranted time behind bars. But Hanshaft said: 'I do find the probationary sentence will at least get you the help so you do not hurt another individual again.' That decision left Adelgren deeply disappointed.
Hathaway apologised to Adelgren while maintaining his innocence despite the rape conviction. He also spoke about his romantic life, saying: 'I now date with the intention of long term relationships. I want to be a good boyfriend, a good husband, a good father one day.'
Victim Details the Lasting Trauma
Adelgren told the court that the assault left her struggling with alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts, affecting her sense of safety and control over her life. The experience also disrupted her plans for the future, leaving her to cope with emotional pain long after the encounter.
Her frustration with the outcome has continued since the trial, with Adelgren describing the sentence as a 'slap in the face'. In a recent interview, she said she still lived in fear, adding: 'Walking outside and day-to-day activities, I'm always looking over my shoulder.'
Adelgren has since moved to North Carolina, where she works in furniture upholstery and is preparing for a job making dancewear. The aspiring fashion designer is also pursuing a federal civil lawsuit seeking damages for battery, assault and emotional distress, alongside a restraining order against Hathaway.
For Adelgren, the legal battle did not end when the criminal case concluded, as she continues to seek accountability. She hopes the lawsuit will help her regain a sense of control and encourage other survivors of sexual violence to speak about their experiences.
