Lancaster, PA — Eric Dorwart, 55, of the 500 block of Pleasure Road, is facing new charges in connection with a 1997 cold case sexual assault, child pornography, and unlawful contact with a minor.
Dorwart was initially charged in October 2023 for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old in 1997 outside the victims’ home in Gordonville, Leacock Township. DNA evidence collected at the time led to his identification and arrest. He waived his preliminary hearing on October 17, 2023, and was released on $25,000 unsecured bail.
In August 2023, a search of Dorwart’s residence uncovered child pornography. Police recovered two laptops and an iPhone, which contained 1,672 images of child pornography, 167 of which showed Dorwart engaging in sexual contact with three prepubescent children. Additionally, 464 images of fetish material were found on the iPhone, with 61 images involving infant and toddler-aged victims.
The latest set of charges emerged after the discovery of images depicting Dorwart engaged in paraphilic sexual behavior with a juvenile victim. The images matched items found during the search of his residence. Dorwart now faces charges of indecent assault of a person less than 13, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, and indecent exposure.
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate and seek to identify the victims, who may have been infants babysat by the Dorwart family. Anyone with information can contact Pennsylvania State Police Troopers Dakota Baer or Brian McNally at 717-299-7650.