Falls Twp. Man Convicted In Child Rape Case

Cory Hegelein. Credit: Bucks County District Attorney’s Office

A Bucks County jury convicted a 33-year-old man on Friday of multiple charges, including rape of a child.

Cory Hegelein, of the Morrisville section of Falls Township, was found guilty of statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and other related charges after a week-long trial at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, according to the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.

The case stemming from accusations that Hegelein repeatedly assaulted a young girl over several years in Falls Township.

Prosecutors said Hegelein exploited his relationship with the victim’s mother to commit the crimes.

Deputy District Attorney Jovin Jose described how Hegelein isolated and assaulted the victim, who was under 13 at the time, while her peers were finishing their school year.

Jose said in his closing arguments that the victim showed remarkable courage by coming forward and detailing those horrific acts in court.

The Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown. File photo.

The trial was presided over by Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Gary Gilman and included testimony from the now 12-year-old victim, who recounted the repeated assaults that occurred. Her brother also testified, corroborating several details of the ongoing abuse, the district attorney’s office said.

The investigation into Hegelein began in November 2022 when Falls Township Police were alerted to potential inappropriate behavior. Evidence collected from Hegelein’s apartment, including three cellphones and a red blanket with matching DNA from the victim and sperm from Hegelein, corroborated the victim’s account, authorities said.

“This is the second time this week I have had the privilege of commending the strength of a young victim who faced the predator who preyed upon her,” District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said. “Thanks to her strength, and the outstanding work done by the prosecutorial team, this defendant stands convicted of these heinous crimes.”

Hegelein’s sentencing is deferred for 120 days pending a pre-sentence evaluation and a review by the Sex Offender Assessment Board. During this period, he will remain in custody.