Crime & Safety
Viewing Porn In Front Of Teenager Lands Man Behind Bars
Joseph Schell was convicted by a Chester County Judge of child abuse charges involving a teenager in hotels in Chester County.
PHOENIXVILLE, PA —A Phoenixville man was sentenced Tuesday in the Chester County Justice Center to two years and three months to five years in state prison for watching pornography and performing sex acts in front of a teenage stepdaughter.
Joseph Schell, 44, was convicted by Judge Patrick Carmody on Jan. 12 in a non-jury trial on charges of indecent exposure, endangering the welfare of children, and corruption of minors.
The 16-year-old said Schell engaged in sex acts and drug use while she and her siblings were residing in the Hampton Inn, Exton, and at other hotels in Chester and Montgomery counties.
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Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said that Schell violated his duty of care and forced the teen to witness behavior that no child should see, especially from an adult.
According to police, the teenager said when the defendant started to engage in sexual acts the children would leave the room.
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Anyone who suspects acts of child abuse is asked to call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
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