Woman charged with sexually assaulting teen victim as investigation of child predator ring continues

May 14, 2017 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of a Cumberland County woman charged with sexually assaulting a minor who was earlier identified as the victim abused during animal furry parties in Bucks County.

Paige Wren Tasker, 27, was taken into custody and transported to Monroe County, where she has been preliminarily arraigned on charges of statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

Investigators with the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section say Tasker on more than one occasion performed a sex act on a 14-year-old boy. Investigators in recent months have learned the same boy was sexually abused years earlier at furry parties where adults dressed as animals.

“In January, we made a promise when we first filed charges against predators that this investigation would continue as long as it takes,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “The hard work of the agents and attorneys in our Child Predator Section, working closely with other law enforcement partners, led to this latest arrest. This is a deeply disturbing case, and we care about this victim and every victim of sexual abuse.”

Investigators say Tasker had a brief relationship with David Parker, who was earlier charged in this investigation with child rape, possession of child pornography and related charges.

In 2015, Tasker traveled to visit Parker in Saylorsburg, Monroe County. During the visit, she slept in the victim’s bed and sexually assaulted him.

Tasker’s bail was set at $250,000 cash bail. Tasker, of the first block of S. York St., Mechanicsburg, is being held in the Monroe County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 22.

Tasker is the sixth person arrested so far in the ongoing investigation of a ring of child sexual predators, some of whom dressed as animals at furry parties where the abuse took place.

Last week, one of the defendants, Kenneth C. Fenske, 57, of Quakertown, was held for trial on charges of child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with a minor.

In addition to Fenske, Parker and Tasker, three other defendants have been charged with sex offenses in connection with the predator ring. Proceedings against all the defendants are pending.

Attorney General Shapiro praised the cooperation of the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Bucks County detectives, Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Postal Inspectors, the FBI and Homeland Security investigators.

“We will work relentlessly on this investigation with our law enforcement partners until every perpetrator and child abuser has been arrested and brought to justice,” Shapiro said.

This case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Michele Kelly Walsh of the Child Predator Section, assisted by Deputy Attorney General Michelle Laucella.

Suspected child predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or abuse can also send anonymous tips by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.

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