Ephrata man to face trial in decades-old child sexual abuse case
Ephrata, PA — A 64-year-old man accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl more than 20 years ago will stand trial in Lancaster County Court after a judge ruled last month that the case could proceed.
Joseph Shimp, of Ephrata, is charged with multiple felony offenses stemming from alleged assaults that occurred between 2002 and 2003 at two residences in the borough. On Nov. 19, District Judge Torrey Landis held Shimp for court following a preliminary hearing where details of the alleged abuse were presented.
The charges against Shimp include rape of a child, four counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, two counts of aggravated indecent assault, five counts of indecent assault of a person under 13, and one count each of unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors.
According to investigators, the victim came forward to report that she had been abused on at least five separate occasions when she was 8 years old. The incidents reportedly occurred at a home in the 200 block of Penn Avenue and later at a residence in the first block of North Oak Street.
The victim told police the first assault took place during the summer of 2002, describing multiple incidents that followed — including one that happened inside a backyard play structure and another in a detached shed. She also recalled waking up during a sleepover at the residence to find Shimp assaulting her.
The alleged abuse was not reported at the time it occurred. Shimp would have been around 40 years old during the timeframe of the alleged offenses.
Charges were filed by Ephrata Borough Police Officer Victoria Matthews after the victim came forward and an investigation was conducted. Shimp was later arrested and released on $75,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.
A formal arraignment in Lancaster County Court is expected in the coming weeks. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Key Points
- Joseph Shimp, 64, is accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl between 2002 and 2003
- A judge ruled the case will proceed to Lancaster County Court following a preliminary hearing
- Shimp is out on $75,000 bail and faces multiple felony charges, including child rape and aggravated assault
