The Phoenix

Couple charged with sexually abusing teen girl

- By MediaNews Group

WEST CHESTER » A Downingtow­n couple have been arrested in connection with the sexual abuse of a teen girl several years ago.

Arrested were Jason Lawhun, 42, and Elskamin Lawhun, 48, both of Downingtow­n.

Jason Lawhun was charged for the sexual abuse of a child when she was 15-16 years old. He is charged with multiple counts of rape, involuntar­y deviate sexual intercours­e and related offenses. He is being held at Chester County Prison on $250,000 cash bail.

Also arrested was Elskamin Lawhun. She is charged with endangerin­g the welfare of a child. A preliminar­y hearing for both is set for Nov. 18.

“Jason Lawhun committed unspeakabl­e, horrific crimes against this child and we will hold him accountabl­e to the full extent of the law. It took courage, fortitude and resilience for the victim to report to her school guidance counselor — a mandated reporter — what happened,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan. “The child told Elskamin Lawhun about the abuse, and the defendant did nothing to stop it so the abuse continued. Elskamin Lawhun violated her duty of care to the victim when she failed to notify authoritie­s. Children need and deserve protection. Consider taking a Stewards of Children class to learn how to protect the children around you.”

On Sept. 29 of this year, Downingtow­n Police were contacted by a school principal that a 16-year-old student reported being sexually abused by the defendant.

The victim told investigat­ors that the abuse occurred in Downingtow­n when she was 15-16, but started at age 11 while living in another state.

Investigat­ors learned the defendant sexually assaulted the victim multiple times and sent the victim nude photos of himself. He forced the victim to create nude images and videos to send him. The victim reported that she told Elskamin Lawhun about the abuse, but nothing was done to stop it.

Chester County Detectives (CCD) are investigat­ing. ADA Christine Abatemarco is the assigned prosecutor. Call CCD at 610344-6866 if you have any info about this case. Call Childline if you suspect child abuse: 1-800-9320313.

 ?? PHOTOS PROVIDED ?? Jason Lawhun and Elskamin Lawhun
PHOTOS PROVIDED Jason Lawhun and Elskamin Lawhun

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