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Dennis "Denny" Eugene Meyer Jr., 47, of Harrisburg, was found guilty of felon Rape of a Child, felon Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child, felon Aggravated Indecent Assault of a Child, felon Unlawful Contact with a Minor, felon Sexual Assault, and misdemeanor Indecent Assault following a jury trial on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, according to the DA.
The charges were brought after a 12-year-old girl told a friend’s mother that "Meyer was engaging in inappropriate conduct with her," as stated in the release. "The investigation revealed that Meyer had been engaging in a pattern of grooming behavior and sexual abuse of the child for approximately 2 years."
Witnesses told investigators he showed favoritism to the child, "buying her special gifts, spending extra time with her, and giving her treats" — the girl later testified that these gifts were typically given to her after he had abused her, the DA explained. He also regularly told her she was his favorite and instructed not to tell anyone what he was doing to her.
"This pattern of grooming resulted in the child feeling confusion and conflicted emotions. She ultimately reported it when she realized that this type of abuse was not happening to other kids her age," the DA wrote.
Meyer was previously convicted of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse involving another child victim in 2005. He served 10 years in a State Correctional Institution before ultimately being released.
"Because he is a repeat offender, the Commonwealth intends to seek a 25 year minimum sentence at each charge," the DA wrote.
Detective Cody Phillips and the Silver Spring Township Police Department investigated this case and supported the victim and her family throughout.
Meyer has been held without bail in the Cumberland County Prison pending sentencing, scheduled for January 21, 2025.
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