A 39-year-old man from King of Prussia was sentenced Wednesday to spend at least 18 and up to 36 years in state prison for the rape and sexual assault of a girl in Bristol Township in 2015.
The highlight of the sentencing hearing for Charles J. Sylvester, who was found guilty by a Bucks County jury 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 after a three-day trial at the Justice Center in Doylestown could be said was the victim’s impact statement.
“I am not here for pity. I am here because I deserve justice,” she 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.”
Common Pleas Judge Charissa J. Liller handed down the sentence to Sylvester after hearing the powerful victim impact statements in court.
In a statement read on her behalf, the victim’s mother said, “He has proven himself to be a predator, and society must be shielded from him.” Deputy District Attorney Megan Hunsicker also entered additional victim impact statements into the court record. In addition to the state prison sentence, Sylvester was given a consecutive sentence of 21 years of probation. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or minors, undergo sex offender supervision, and receive mental health treatment. He must also follow all special sex offender conditions of the PA Parole Board, said a spokesperson for the DA’s office.
The Bristol Township Police Department began an investigation in early 2024 after the victim came forward. The crimes occurred between 2015 and 2018 when the victim was between the ages of nine and 11. She identified Sylvester as her attacker, telling police he would sexually assault and rape her inside the home. Bristol Township Detective John Jennings investigated the case, and Assistant District Attorney Sara L. Salvo prosecuted the trial.
“This case is another example of this office’s commitment to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who prey on our most vulnerable victims” said Bucks DA Jennifer Schorn
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