Shawn Burke, 37, of Bristol Township, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 25 years in state prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges related to the sexual assault and corruption of two minor victims.
The sentencing, before Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr, follows an investigation by the Bristol Township Police Department and subsequent prosecution by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. Based on this guilty plea, Burke will be subject to lifetime supervision under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law.
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.
During the sentencing hearing, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin McElroy presented powerful victim impact statements that detailed the extensive and long-lasting trauma caused by the defendant’s actions. One victim, identifying herself as a “survivor of physical, sexual, and mental abuse,” described how 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 statement read.
The statements further described the severe psychological toll the crimes took on the young victims. The second victim explained 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 when Detective John Jennings of the Bristol Township Police Department was assigned to a child abuse investigation involving two juveniles.
The facts presented in court revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that occurred at the victims’ residence in Bristol Township and other locations. One victim, who was 13 and 14 years old at the time, reported that the defendant, her stepfather, subjected her to ongoing sexual abuse. The same victim reported that Burke supplied 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 the defendant’s inappropriate comments and behavior. This victim reported that Burke provided her with lingerie and made her wear it, commenting inappropriately on her appearance. She also reported that he provided her with marijuana on multiple occasions, according to court records.
The long sentence reflects the severity and extensive nature of the crimes committed against the juveniles over a period of time.
