HARRISBURG, PA — A Pennsylvania State Trooper from Lancaster County has been charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated assault and child endangerment, following allegations of abuse that left an infant with serious head injuries.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Tuesday that 35-year-old Christopher S. Young faces charges stemming from an incident in September 2023, when the infant was under his care. The child required medical treatment, hospitalization, and physical therapy as a result of the injury.
A joint investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards uncovered what authorities describe as a troubling pattern of abuse. In addition to the head trauma incident, Young is accused of harming two other children through various forms of physical mistreatment, including pressing his chin into one child’s head multiple times, leaving visible injuries.
The investigation further alleges that Young made firearms accessible to children and even permitted a child to hold a firearm, creating additional safety concerns.
In a statement, Attorney General Sunday underscored the gravity of the allegations. “No one is above the law. The alleged actions by the defendant are deeply disturbing, and my office intends to hold him fully accountable,” he said. “When a sworn officer violates their oath it is a stain on all officers who selflessly and professionally protect their communities.”
Young had already been charged earlier this year with felony intimidation of a witness and misdemeanor counts of stalking and loitering or prowling at night. Those charges arose from his alleged attempts to influence a witness involved in the child abuse investigation. According to officials, Young repeatedly called and texted the witness, and was later discovered armed with a gun and knife in a wooded area behind the witness’s home in Schuylkill County late at night on February 24.
On Tuesday, Young was arraigned on the new charges, and bail was set at $50,000. The Pennsylvania State Police have confirmed that he is currently suspended without pay.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Lauren Eichelberger.
All charges are allegations, and Christopher S. Young is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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