WEST CHESTER, PA — A Philadelphia man was convicted following a four-day jury trial on charges related to the sexual assault of a minor while employed at a residential treatment facility in West Whiteland Township, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Shakur Austin, 28, was found guilty of involuntary deviate sexual assault, unlawful contact with minors and related offenses after trial before Judge Sarah Black. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to prosecutors, Austin was employed as a direct care staff member at the Devereux campus when he engaged in unlawful conduct involving a 14-year-old resident.
Authorities said the minor later disclosed the incident to another resident, who notified staff and prompted an investigation.
Investigators reviewed internal surveillance footage from the building, which prosecutors said corroborated the report and was presented at trial.
Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said the case demonstrates the office’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
“This Defendant was supposed to help the child victim, but instead he sexually abused her,” de Barrena-Sarobe said. “The District Attorney’s Office will continue to work with local law enforcement to protect children and prosecute those that exploit them.”
In a separate matter, the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County presented Detective Sgt. Joseph Walton of the Chester County Detectives with the John J. Crane Child Advocacy Award during its annual Show of Love Celebration at the Chester County History Center.
The award, established in 1998, honors the late John Crane, a former Chester County prosecutor recognized for his service to child victims and their families.
Walton joined the Chester County Detectives in the early 2000s after serving with the Phoenixville Police Department. He previously worked in the Major Case Unit, Terrorism Task Force and Forensics Unit.
In 2020, Walton was promoted to sergeant overseeing the Child Abuse and Computer Forensics units and currently serves as executive director of the Child Advocacy Center.
Chief Chester County Detective David Sassa said Walton supervises the Child Abuse Unit and works to ensure victims and their families receive support throughout investigations.
For Chester County residents, the conviction and recognition highlight ongoing law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts to address crimes involving minors and support victims within the community.
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