Carlisle, Pa. - A Mt. Holly Springs teenager was found guilty Friday of raping a 3-year-old girl.

Cumberland County Judge Kevin Hess issued the verdict four days after the little girl, who is now 5, testified against the boy. Hess found the teen guilty of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, and aggravated indecent assault.

"I cried," said the little girl's mother. "I just cried and for the first time it wasn't because I was upset or angry ... it was because I finally felt like we got some sort of victory out of this." The investigation began after the incident in August 2007. 

The investigation led police to file charges against the boy's parents.  They were convicted of endangering the welfare of a child.  Police say the boy's father took nude photographs of the mother while the boy was present in the room.

District Attorney Dave Freed said his office will ask Hess to order treatment for the boy in a secure juvenile facility.

"I believe this child, the offender who has been found guilty, needs secure treatment," Freed said. "There is no doubt he's a product of his environment. I have no doubt that he acted in the manner he did because of the actions of his parents. That explains his conduct, it doesn't excuse his conduct."

The girl's mother says her daughter's testimony was brave.  She hopes the verdict sends a message to all victims.

"If a 5-year-old can do this and get the proper result ... then maybe they can do it, too," she said.

 

 Email To Friend