(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 27, 2023):  McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, on October 23^rd, Justin Schlopy, of Bradford, pled guilty to Sexual Assault against a teenage female in Bradford.

Sgt. Jason Daugherty of the City of Bradford Police began an investigation after the victim and her parents reported to BRMC for a sexual assault that occurred the evening prior. 

The victim had spent the night at a relative’s house the evening of October 29, 2022.  She reported to police that, during the evening while everyone in the house slept, Schlopy had intercourse with her without her consent.

Schlopy was scheduled to go to a jury trial on October 23^rd. 

He was ordered to undergo a sexually violent predator assessment as required under the law and scheduled for sentencing in 90 days. 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer says:  “Under Pennsylvania law, any person convicted of nearly any sex crime is required to undergo an evaluation to determine if he or she meets the definition of a sexually violent predator under the law prior to sentencing.  The Sexual Offender Assessment Board has 90 days to complete the assessment.  If the evaluator opines that a defender meets that definition based on a variety of factors outlined in the statute, a hearing is scheduled for the Court to make a determination if the person should be classified as a sexually violent predator.    Pennsylvania statute outlines which crimes require sex offender registration in addition to those determined to be sexually violent predators, and the crimes are classified by the legislature as Tier I, Tier II and Tier III.  Tier III sexual offenses require that the offender register as a sex offender for his lifetime. 

The crime of “Sexual Assault” carries a lifetime registration requirement.  Offenders who are determined to be a sexually violent predator also have to register for their lifetime and have additional requirements. Even if someone is convicted of a crime that requires lifetime registration, the law still requires they undergo this assessment prior to sentencing.  This is the reason that sentencing occurs more than 90 days after the conviction.”