WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced today that a jury found Darren Lawrence, 61, of Wilmington, DE, guilty of sexually abusing a child from 2006-2009 when she was between 9-12 years old. The abuse happened when the victim was left in the defendant’s care. The defendant, a former Pennsylvania State Police Trooper (PSP), was convicted of 19 counts of abuse, including rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and related charges. He will be sentenced later.
DA Deb Ryan said, “The victim endured sexual abuse at the hands of the defendant for 3 years when she was a child. This is another brave victim who courageously testified after many years of trauma perpetrated by a person she trusted. The defendant is one of the dozens of people held criminally responsible for child sexual abuse this year. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute anyone who abuses children and help bring justice to victims.”
In February 2020, the victim, now over the age of 21, reported to Chester County Detectives that she had been sexually abused by the defendant when she was between 9-12. Investigators learned the defendant sexually abused the victim at least once a month when she was in his care from 2006-2009 at different locations in Chester County, including at his home in Kennett Township.
Judge Jacqueline Cody presided. Chester County Detectives investigated. Deputy District Attorney Erin O’Brien and Assistant District Attorney Karen Brindisi were the assigned prosecutors.
Learn to recognize, react, and respond to child sexual abuse by signing up for a free virtual Stewards of Children workshop. Contact County Coordinator Katie Walters at [email protected] or 610-344-6115.
Call Childline if you suspect child abuse: 1-800-932-0313.
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