The American Heritage Dictionary defines "incident" as "a usually minor event or condition that is subordinate to another".
In using "incident" the authorities and the media are deliberately downplaying the allegations. Probably a better, more neutral word would be an "occurence".
"Disaster" also comes to mind, but I'll have to wait to see how this "minor event" plays out if and when the authorities and media stop protecting this creepy liberal dude and take the lid off.
Leni
I prefer "felony, worth ten-to-fifteen".