Retired family physician charged with sexual assault of 4 year old girl

Retired Family Physician Charged With Sexual Assault of 4 Year Old Girl

HARRISBURG, PA – Dr. Mandell Much, 86, was charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child, Indecent Assault of a Person Less than 13 years of age, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Corruption of a Minor, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Much is a retired Delaware County family physician.

“The defendant was a trusted member of his community who preyed on a young child, and exploited the time he had alone with her. These serious charges reflect the vile nature of his crimes, and our office will work to hold him accountable,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said.

The Office of Attorney General received jurisdiction over the case in December 2021 following a referral from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators revealed that in March 2021, the victim who was 4 years old, detailed to her mother repeated incidents of being inappropriately touched by Much when she was alone with him at her home. The victim, whom she referred to as “Doc,” said that these incidents happened  “morning and night, morning and night.”

Attorney General Shapiro said investigators believe there may be more victims of Much, and urged anyone with information about additional crimes by the defendant to come forward. Victims or families can call Detective Sergeant George Moore at 610-566-8445.

Shapiro said, “We encourage anyone with information to report it to the police. My Office listens to survivors and will follow every lead.”

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Katherine McDermott and Deputy Attorney General Amanda McCool.

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