A chilling case has emerged from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, as John Dehart, 56, of Camano Island, Washington, and Sara Miller, 34, of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, are facing severe charges related to the rape of a child. Court documents released by the East Hempfield Township police detail accusations of abuse that allegedly occurred over a period of years, starting when the victim was just four years old.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the disturbing incidents took place more than a decade ago. Dehart and Miller, reportedly in a parental or familial role to the child, are accused of forcing the young victim to engage in sexual acts with Miller after removing their own clothing. The abuse is alleged to have occurred between 2011 and 2013, a period when the child was between the ages of four and six. The court documents indicate that the abuse ceased when the child was no longer in contact with John Dehart And Sara Miller.
Further details from the affidavit reveal that the child reported instances of molestation and being coerced into showering with Sara Miller. During these showers, Miller allegedly attempted to normalize the abusive behavior, telling the child not to be afraid of “what was happening in the shower.” When questioned by police about Sara Miller’s relationship to them, the child offered a poignant and telling response, describing her as “not a really great person.”
The East Hempfield police department initiated their investigation into these allegations in December 2023. John Dehart was apprehended in Philadelphia on April 18 and is currently held at Lancaster County Prison under a $1 million bail. He is facing charges including rape of a child and related offenses. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21.
As of recent reports, Sara Miller, who may also be known as Sara Souder, remains at large and is also charged with child rape. Authorities are actively seeking information regarding her whereabouts. East Hempfield police are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Tyler Clisham at 717-898-3103 or submit an anonymous tip through CrimeWatch.
This case tragically underscores a grim statistic highlighted by the Rape, Assault, and Incest National Network (RAINN): a significant majority of child sexual abuse perpetrators are known to the child or the family. RAINN reports that as many as 93% of victims under 18 are abused by someone they know, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and reporting suspected abuse to protect vulnerable children.
