Bristol man sentenced for sex assault, child corruption – Bucks Round-Up – October 7, 2025
Bristol man sentenced for sex assault, child corruption
A Bristol Township man will spend up to 25 years in state prison after admitting to sexually assaulting and corrupting two minors. Shawn Burke, 37, pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, including involuntary deviate sexual assault of a child under 16, child exploitation, and drug distribution. Common Pleas Judge Stephen A. Corr handed down the 10–25-year sentence Monday, placing Burke under lifetime supervision under Megan’s Law. Prosecutors said Burke’s crimes inflicted deep emotional and psychological harm. Victim impact statements read in court described years of abuse and manipulation, with one victim calling herself a “survivor of physical, sexual, and mental abuse.” The investigation began last year when Bristol Township Detective John Jennings uncovered a pattern of ongoing abuse, drug use, and coercion. Chief Deputy District Attorney Kristin McElroy, who prosecuted the case, said the lengthy sentence reflects the “severe and sustained nature” of Burke’s conduct and the county’s commitment to protecting children.
Cat rescue operator charged after 67 cats found in filth
Authorities have filed cruelty and neglect charges against the founder of a Bensalem cat rescue after finding nearly 70 animals living in squalor. The Bucks County SPCA discovered 67 cats and kittens at C.A.T.S. Bridge to Rescue on Old Lincoln Highway, many sick, emaciated, or flea-infested. Two kittens later died from feline distemper, and one cat tested positive for FIV. Investigators described the conditions inside the warehouse as “deplorable,” with trash, waste, and a strong odor of urine throughout. The rescue’s longtime director, Margaret Vautard, has cooperated with authorities but faces charges as the SPCA works to nurse the surviving animals back to health. Fifteen cats were transferred to the Women’s Animal Center, while the rest remain under care in Lahaska. The SPCA is accepting donations and offering fee-waived adoptions for adult cats through October.
Veterans Benefits Expo coming to Parx Casino
Bucks County’s Veterans Affairs Office is encouraging local veterans to attend the Delaware Valley Veterans Benefits Expo this Friday, October 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Parx Casino in Bensalem. Director Matt Allen told county commissioners that only about a quarter of Bucks veterans are receiving benefits they’ve earned. “I’m here to bring awareness about the expo. This is our fourth expo and yet only 24% of the veterans in Bucks County are receiving services, so I’m trying to get that number up.” The expo will feature representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to help veterans navigate claims and services. Organizations wishing to participate can contact the Veterans Affairs Office at 215-345-3881.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
