Authorities are searching for a Devereux, Pennsylvania, child services worker accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old patient.
Shakur Austin, 26, is wanted on a series of charges including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, institutional sexual assault of a minor, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children and indecent assault, NBC Philadelphia reported.
Authorities launched an investigation last month into the West Chester facility, which provides support to children, adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A staff member contacted the West Whiteland Township Police Department on July 3 and told them of a rumor that Austin had assaulted a minor patient.
Supervisors who reviewed surveillance video later discovered a clip that allegedly shows Austin receiving oral sex from the teen on June 30.
In a later interview with investigators, the victim’s mother said Austin often bought her daughter food and let her use the establishment’s phone to call family and friends, according to the criminal complaint.
“From what we understand, he may have used his position to groom the child prior to the assault,” West Whiteland Police Detective Michael Buchmann told NBC10.
“Offenders will manipulate children,” he continued. “They offer them gifts and services to offend them. To make it easier to offend them so they won’t tell anyone.”
During their investigation, authorities discovered additional footage of Austin, who was again accused of assaulting the teenager, and issued a warrant for his arrest.
The teenager was admitted in January 2024, but has since left the facility.
Austin is described by police as being about 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information about his whereabouts or the case is asked to call West Whiteland Township police.
