Court finds man guilty of home invasion and attempted sexual assault
judge with gavel, stock photo.

Court finds man guilty of home invasion and attempted sexual assault

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1 min read
June 17, 2026

A Pennsylvania judge convicted a Lancaster County man after prosecutors said he entered a woman’s home uninvited and attempted to pressure her into sexual acts

Lancaster, PA — A Lancaster County man has been found guilty of breaking into a woman’s home and attempting to force sexual contact after a judge concluded he unlawfully entered the residence and refused to take no for an answer.

Following a one-day bench trial, Lancaster County Judge Thomas Sponaugle convicted 45-year-old Benjamin C. Snader of Earl Township of burglary and attempted indecent assault.

The charges stem from an incident on June 21, 2025, at a residence in the 100 block of Brimmer Avenue in New Holland Borough.

According to prosecutors, Snader entered the woman’s home during the early evening hours without permission.

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Once inside, authorities said Snader attempted to persuade the victim to engage in oral sex.

When she refused, prosecutors said Snader tried to unzip his pants, grabbed the victim by the back of her neck and attempted to force her to kiss him.

The victim told investigators that Snader also offered her money in exchange for sexual favors.

Court finds man guilty of home invasion and attempted sexual assault
Photo: court finds man guilty of home invasion and attempted sexual assault

Authorities said the woman pushed Snader away and repeatedly told him to leave.

Prosecutors noted that the victim had never invited Snader into the residence.

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Judge Sponaugle returned guilty verdicts on burglary and attempted indecent assault on May 21.

A sentencing date has not yet been announced.

Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Lapp prosecuted the case.

West Earl Township Police Officer Derek Kanuck filed the charges.


Key Points

Only Two Drive-In Theaters Remain in Operation in New Jersey
  • A Lancaster County man was convicted of burglary and attempted indecent assault.
  • Prosecutors said he entered a woman’s home without permission and sought sexual acts.
  • The victim pushed him away and told him to leave before contacting police.
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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