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Hi - I'm Guy. I am an attorney that practices in Pennsylvania. I am a former sex crimes prosecutor and my day-to-day cases are almost exclusively helping survivors of sexual abuse get justice. My team and I are ready to help.
In a disturbing case of child sexual abuse, Lancaster County authorities have made significant progress in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Two individuals are now facing serious charges for crimes allegedly committed against a young child between 2011 and 2013 in East Hempfield Township.
John Dehart, a 56-year-old man from Camano Island, Washington, was arrested in Philadelphia on April 18, 2024, and subsequently extradited to Lancaster County.
He faces a litany of charges, including:
Sarah Miller, a 34-year-old woman from Nanticoke, Luzerne County, was also arrested and faces similar charges, excluding terroristic threats. Miller, who may have used the alias Sara Souder, was taken into custody in Luzerne County on May 10, 2024.
The East Hempfield Township Police Department initiated their investigation on December 1, 2023, following a tip from Manor Township Police. The allegations came to light during a separate investigation when a witness reported the abuse. According to police reports, the alleged abuse occurred when the victim was between 4 and 6 years old. This timeline places the incidents between 2011 and 2013, highlighting the long-term impact of such crimes on victims and the importance of thorough investigations, even years after the fact.
Sarah Miller was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge John Bender, who set her bail at $1 million. As of the latest update, Miller remains in Lancaster County Prison, unable to post bail.
The Lancaster County District Attorney's Office and local law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with additional information about this case or Sarah Miller's whereabouts to come forward. Community members can contact East Hempfield Township Police Department Detective Tyler Clisham at 717-898-3103 or submit tips online.
Guy D'Andrea, Esq., a seasoned attorney with Abuse Guardians, offers his perspective on this case: "The arrests in this Lancaster County child sexual abuse case underscore the critical importance of thorough investigations, even when allegations surface years after the alleged crimes. It's a stark reminder that there's no statute of limitations on the trauma experienced by victims of childhood sexual abuse. As a community, we must remain vigilant and supportive of those who come forward, no matter how much time has passed. These arrests send a powerful message that justice can be served, providing hope for victims and acting as a deterrent to potential offenders."
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