LANCASTER, PA — In a recent ruling, Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker sentenced Stephen Vaughn Jr., a resident of West Hempfield Township, to a prison term spanning 9 ½ to 19 years. The sentence was handed down last Wednesday morning, following Vaughn’s guilty plea to multiple charges stemming from the sexual abuse of a six-year-old.
Vaughn, 36, residing on Marietta Avenue, entered his plea in November 2023, admitting to a series of charges that included involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, statutory sexual assault with an age difference of 11 years, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years old, and endangering the welfare of children. This admission of guilt came after a detailed investigation launched by the West Hempfield Township Police Department, triggered by an abuse report filed on March 20, 2022.
The heart of the investigation involved a forensic interview conducted by the Lancaster County Children’s Alliance, during which the young victim courageously disclosed that the abuse occurred twice. This critical testimony played a pivotal role in the case, leading to charges being formally filed in February 2023.
Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick led the prosecution, while West Hempfield Township Police Detective Sergeant Robert Bradfield was instrumental in filing the charges against Vaughn.
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