DOYLESTOWN, PA — A Bristol Township man was sentenced Monday to 10 to 25 years in state prison for sexually assaulting two minors and supplying them with drugs, following an investigation by the Bristol Township Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
Shawn Burke, 37, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16, corruption of minors, indecent assault, photographing or depicting sexual acts involving minors, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr imposed the sentence, which also includes lifetime registration and supervision under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law.
Prosecutors described Burke’s conduct as a pattern of predatory behavior that left both victims with lasting psychological trauma. Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin McElroy presented impact statements from the victims, one of whom called herself “a survivor of physical, sexual, and mental abuse” and said Burke “stole [her] youth and innocence.”
The investigation began in September 2024 when Detective John Jennings of the Bristol Township Police Department was assigned to a child abuse case involving two juveniles. Authorities said Burke’s offenses occurred at multiple locations, including the victims’ residence in Bristol Township.
Court documents revealed that Burke repeatedly assaulted his stepdaughter, then between 13 and 14 years old, and supplied her with marijuana, cocaine, and hallucinogenic mushrooms. He also arranged for the girl to receive multiple tattoos, including ones reading “daddy’s girl” and “made by Satan.”
A second victim reported that Burke made sexually suggestive comments, provided her with lingerie to wear, and supplied her with marijuana on several occasions.
Judge Corr said the sentence reflected “the grave nature and duration of the defendant’s criminal conduct.”
“This case represents the kind of sustained abuse that destroys lives,” McElroy said following sentencing. “The victims showed tremendous courage in confronting their abuser, and today’s outcome ensures that Shawn Burke will be held fully accountable for the harm he caused.”
The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin McElroy and Assistant District Attorney Tom Heffernan, with investigative work led by Detective John Jennings of the Bristol Township Police Department.
Burke was taken into custody immediately following sentencing and transported to a state correctional facility to begin serving his term.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.