BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Shawn Burke, 37, of Bristol Township, was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in a Pennsylvania state prison today after pleading guilty to multiple felony charges related to the sexual abuse and corruption of two minor victims.
The sentence, handed down by Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr, follows an intensive investigation by the Bristol Township Police Department and a prosecution led by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. As part of his plea agreement, Burke will be subject to lifetime supervision under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law.
Burke pleaded guilty to:
Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16,
Two counts of photographing/filming a child engaging in sexual acts,
Two counts each of corruption of minors and indecent assault,
And possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin McElroy presented powerful victim impact statements during sentencing. One survivor called Burke a predator who robbed her of her innocence, saying, “This person stole my youth and my innocence from me.” She also revealed that Burke introduced her to hard drugs as a minor and manipulated her into silence.
Another victim described a shift in her mental health since the abuse, citing depression, PTSD, and severe fear. She recalled being given marijuana and being made to wear lingerie, with Burke making disturbing and inappropriate comments.
The abuse began when one of the victims was just 13 years old, occurring both at the victims’ residence in Bristol Township and other locations. Burke, who was her stepfather, supplied the minor with marijuana, cocaine, and mushrooms, and arranged for her to receive tattoos with disturbing phrases like “daddy’s girl” and “made by Satan”—tattoos he selected.
The second victim described emotional abuse, saying Burke gave her drugs and lingerie and made unsettling remarks about her appearance.
Detective John Jennings of the Bristol Township Police Department led the investigation, which began in September 2024. The case was prosecuted by Chief Deputy DA Kristin McElroy with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Tom Heffernan.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office stated that the lengthy sentence reflects the severity and ongoing nature of Burke’s crimes and reaffirms the office’s commitment to protecting children and holding predators accountable.
