Man Faces 36 Years In Prison For Rape Of Bristol Twp. Girl

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — A King of Prussia man faces up to 36 years in prison after being sentenced for the rape and sexual assault of a girl in Bristol Township that started when she was 9 years old, authorities said.

Charles J. Sylvester, 39, of King of Prussia, was sentenced Wednesday to 18 to 36 years in state prison for the rape and sexual assault of the girl, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office said.

Sylvester was given a consecutive sentence of 21 years of probation, authorities said.

He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or minors, undergo sex offender supervision, and receive mental health treatment. Sylvester must also follow all special sex offender conditions of the PA Parole Board.

The sentencing follows an April conviction when a Bucks County jury found Sylvester guilty of rape of child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, and two counts of indecent assault.

The Bristol Township Police Department began an investigation early last year after the victim came forward. She identified Sylvester as her attacker, telling police he would sexually assault and rape her inside the home.

The crimes occurred between 2015 and 2018 when the victim was between the ages of 9 and 11.

"I am not here for pity. I am here because I deserve justice," the victim said. "I am here because no one should have the power to harm another person so deeply and walk away untouched. I ask for accountability, not just for me, but for every other survivor who never got a chance to speak, and every person who is still afraid to come forward.”