LANCASTER, PA — A Mountville man has been sentenced on Thursday to a prison term of 13 years and 9 months to 28 years for sexually abusing 14 residents at Faith Friendship Villa in West Hempfield Township.
James Zook, 69, of the first block of Rockford Road, received his sentence from Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker after pleading guilty to an astounding 329 counts of institutional sexual assault, 333 counts of indecent assault, and one count of disorderly conduct in September 2023.
Zook worked in a caretaker role at Faith Friendship Villa, a non-profit personal care home catering to individuals with mental illness and other disabilities. His victims ranged in age from 33 to 69, all of whom had intellectual or physical disabilities.
Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick, during the sentencing proceedings, stated, “This was a man who used his position to victimize adults who could not protect themselves for over 15 years.” Haverstick praised the victims for their courage in detailing the abuse to investigators and commended the first victim to report the abuse as a hero.
The Executive Director of Faith Friendship Villa also addressed the court, reading statements from nine victims, many of whom expressed forgiveness towards Zook, despite his actions. She revealed that 12 of the 14 victims have returned to the program and shared, “He preyed on their vulnerabilities.”
Zook made a statement of apology and expressed regret for his actions. Judge Reinaker, before passing sentence, stated, “It’s clear to me the deep and long-lasting consequences each victim will continue to suffer from.”
Zook agreed to a licensed psychologist’s finding that he was a sexually violent predator, a designation that requires lifetime registration and specific neighbor notifications under Megan’s Law.
Zook was initially arrested and charged on Nov. 7, 2022, with one count each of institutional sexual assault and indecent assault. After further investigation and additional victims coming forward, more charges were filed.
The abuse, reported by all victims, spanned from 2007 to 2022. Zook had been employed at Faith Friendship Villa for approximately 20 years. The shocking case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.
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