A New Holland man convicted of eight sexual abuse charges including rape of a child was sentenced to 14-40 years in prison November 18 in Lancaster County Court.

Mark Kevin Brown, 61 of Bridle Path, was found guilty by jury in April 2021 for raping and sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child on multiple occasions at his home and New Holland Community Park in 2017.

Police learned of the abuse during an interview of the victim at the Lancaster Children’s Alliance in 2018, when the victim stated Brown had “done something bad to him.”

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa said it was “a classic case of grooming a little child in order to abuse them” as Brown had bought the victim gifts and portrayed himself as a friend.

The victim’s stepfather spoke before the sentencing stating, “We have an inherent responsibility as adults to be in society and at the very least do no harm.” He also stated the victim and family have attended countless therapy sessions and will continue to do so.

Brown said he had “nothing to say” when asked if he wished to speak by County Judge Merrill Spahn.

Spahn then imposed the sentence of at least 14 years in prison with lifetime sex offender registration with state police.

New Holland Sergeant John Yanarella filed charges.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.