McKean County, Pa. – A jury in McKean County Court delivered a guilty verdict Thursday in the case of Shawn Prentiss Sr., 50, who was accused of sexually assaulting a young girl while she was in his care.
Charges and Conviction
The jury found Prentiss guilty of three felony counts: involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, attempted rape of a child, and indecent assault of a child. In addition, the presiding judge ruled that Prentiss was guilty of harassment.
Legal Proceedings
The District Attorney’s Office announced it will seek an enhanced penalty under Pennsylvania law, citing the victim’s age and the nature of the contact as aggravating factors. Following the conviction, the judge increased Prentiss’ bail.
Next Steps
Because of the sexual nature of the offenses, Prentiss must undergo an evaluation by the Sexual Offenders’ Assessment Board within 90 days to determine whether he meets the definition of a “sexually violent predator.” Sentencing will be set after the board’s assessment is completed.
Community Impact
The case underscores the importance of vigilant child‑protective measures in private caregiving situations. Local law‑enforcement and child‑welfare agencies continue to encourage families to report any suspicious behavior promptly.
Original reporting: WESB (Bradford) — read the source article.
