MOUNT HOLLY, N.J.
— A 44-year-old Mount Holly man has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving a girl under the age of 13, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw and Mount Holly Township Police Acting Chief Clifford C. Spencer announced.
Shawn R. Tracey, of the first block of Parkers Mill Boulevard, was arrested Tuesday and charged with 10 counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, 13 counts of second-degree debauching the morals of a child, two counts of second-degree sexual assault, and one count of third-degree showing obscene material to a minor.
Tracey, who serves as a deacon at Burlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burlington City, is accused of engaging in sexual activity with the victim over a period of two years at various locations in Burlington County. Authorities said the abuse involved a victim under the age of 13.
The investigation began earlier this week after state officials were notified of suspected abuse. Tracey was taken into custody at the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and is currently being held at the Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing in Superior Court.
Investigation ongoing, victim’s identity protected
Due to the sensitive nature of the case, additional details are being withheld to protect the victim’s identity. A judge has ordered the criminal complaint to be sealed.
Authorities have not stated whether additional victims are suspected. The investigation remains active.
A Burlington County church deacon faces first-degree charges in a case involving the prolonged sexual abuse of a child.
