A Penn Township man charged with repeatedly raping and sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl will have his case proceed to county court following a preliminary hearing. 

Judge Torrey Landis ruled June 29 that the case of Dylan Keith Shenk, 34, could proceed to the Court of Common Pleas on three counts of rape of a child, two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, three counts of aggravated indecent assault, a single count each of communicating with a minor, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors and three counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, among other offenses.

Shenk is accused of raping and sexually abusing the victim at his residence in the 1200 block of Newport Road between May 2022 and May 2026. The victim reported the abuse to the Lebanon County Children and Youth Agency the day after the most recent rape on May 13.

The victim testified during the hearing that Shenk raped her in his bedroom and shower.

While being medically evaluated the victim said Shenk had raped her in his bedroom the night before and that he had sexually assaulted her in the past as well. The victim provided specific details of the incident, including how Shenk gave her with a sleeping pill before the assault, locations in the home where she said he abused her and efforts he took to obscure his actions, such as placing a blanket so no one could see them. 

In one instance, the victim said Shenk made her watch as he simulated having sex with a mannequin. 

Shenk is currently free after posting $250,000 bail.

Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Det. Theresa Stauffer filed the charges.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa will prosecute the case.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.