'Disturbing Pattern' Of Sexual Abuse Caused By Lower Bucks Co. Man: DA

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A 37-year-old Bristol Township man faces up to 25 years in state prison on multiple felony charges of sexually assaulting and corrupting two underage female victims, authorities said.

Shawn Burke, 37, of Bristol Township, was sentenced Monday to 10 to 25 years by Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr. He will be subjected to lifetime supervision under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

Burke pleaded guilty to involuntary deviate sexual assault of a person under 16 years of age, and two counts each of photographing, filming, or depicting a child on a computer engaging in a sexual act, corruption of minors, indecent assault of a person less than 16 years of age, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, authorities said.

During the sentencing hearing, victim impact statements detailed "extensive and long-lasting trauma" caused by Burke.

One victim, identifying herself as a "survivor of physical, sexual, and mental abuse," said Burke stole her youth and innocence, exposing her to hard drugs at a young age and manipulating her into silence.

"This person stole my youth and my innocence from me," the victim's statement read.

The second victim said that her "whole perspective on life has changed" since the abuse, leaving her grappling with depression, PTSD, and crippling fear.

The investigation began in September 2024, uncovering a "disturbing pattern of abuse."

One victim, who was 13 and 14 years old at the time, said Burke subjected her to ongoing sexual abuse, supplying her with marijuana, cocaine, and mushrooms on multiple occasions.

Burke also brought the victim to receive multiple tattoos, including one reading ‘daddy’s girl’ and ‘made by Satan,’ which he selected, authorities said.

A second victim described incidents of emotional distress caused by Burke's comments and behavior.

The victim reported that Burke provided her with lingerie and made her wear it, commenting inappropriately on her appearance. She also said that Burke provided her with marijuana on multiple occasions.