Crimes against children are often the most vigorously prosecuted in the U.S., and Pennsylvania police are no exception. When someone prominent in the community faces an accusation, it can ruin a reputation and have lasting consequences even if someone is acquitted. But sex crime charges in Pennsylvania can also result in heavy penalties and serious jail time, as one Montgomery County man recently discovered. If you're facing similar charges, you need the LLF Law Firm's experienced Criminal Law Defense Team to protect your rights in the criminal justice system. Call them at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation, or contact them online.

Youth Basketball Coach Accused of Sex Crimes

The Daily Times recently reported on the arrest of a youth basketball coach who worked with kids in Chester County and Philadelphia. The man faces 220 charges of aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, child pornography, indecent assault, unlawful contact with minors, and related offenses. Police arrested him in late September, and he posted bail on October 4th. He is also facing similar charges in Philadelphia related to another young victim.

The investigation began last month when Chester County detectives received information that the coach had sexually abused many female juvenile victims while coaching a basketball team and working privately as a coach with the girls. The girls ranged from ten to 16, and the charges involved crimes from 2014 to 2023.

Indecent Assault

In Pennsylvania, indecent assault involves indecent contact, such as sexual touching, to arouse or cause sexual desire. It is a first-degree misdemeanor if it involves a minor under 13 and carries a penalty of two and a half to five years in prison. Aggravated indecent assault involves penetration of the genitals or anus of someone under 16 or by force or compulsion. This is a second-degree felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine. However, aggravated indecent assault of a minor under 13 is a first-degree felony.

Child Pornography

Child pornography, including possessing, distributing, or recording the material, is a serious offense in Pennsylvania. This is a felony charge with penalties of up to five years in prison for a first offense. The filming or depiction of child porn is a second-degree felony carrying up to ten years in prison.

Unlawful Contact With Minors

In Pennsylvania, is it illegal to contact a minor or a police officer impersonating a minor to engage in:

• Any sexual offense,
• Prostitution,
• Sexual abuse,
• Sexual exploitation,
• Obscene materials or sexual performances, or
• Open lewdness.

A conviction for unlawful contact with minors in Pennsylvania is a third-degree felony with jail time of up to seven years.

Corruption of Minors

Corruption of minors related to a sexual offense is a third-degree felony in Pennsylvania, punishable with up to seven years in prison. The offense involves sexual offenses such as indecent assault and indecent assault if it “tends to corrupt the morals” of children under 18.

You Need an Experienced Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you're facing sex crime charges in Pennsylvania, you could face serious jail time and a decade or more on the sex offenders registry. You need the skilled Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm to guide you through this process. Call them at 888-535-3686 to schedule a consultation, or contact them online.