Today : Apr 23, 2025
U.S. News
23 April 2025

Search Intensifies For Man Accused Of Child Assault

Shane Hennesy, 22, is wanted for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in New Jersey

PINE HILL, N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities are actively searching for Shane Hennesy, a 22-year-old man from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, who is wanted for the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Pine Hill, Camden County, New Jersey. Hennesy has been charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The charges were filed on February 20, 2025, following an investigation into incidents that occurred between December 2024 and January 2025.

According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, the assault took place after Hennesy and the girl met online. Authorities reported that Hennesy allegedly climbed through the girl's bedroom window while her parents and siblings were asleep. He is accused of assaulting her in her bed and remaining in the room for hours before leaving through the same window.

In an effort to locate Hennesy, police released his driver's license image alongside photos he posted online, indicating that he may have altered his appearance using filters. He is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing around 200 pounds, though authorities noted that he may have recently lost weight.

Hennesy is known to frequent several areas, including Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Ocean City, Maryland, and Newark, Delaware. The U.S. Marshals Service is particularly interested in his whereabouts and is offering a reward of $1,000 for any information leading to his arrest.

Senior Detective Stephen Bezich of the U.S. Marshals Service New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force - Camden Division is the point of contact for anyone with information about Hennesy’s location. He can be reached at (609) 331-0310. Additionally, Detective Kerry Butler of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit is available at (856) 225-8664 for information related to the sexual assault case.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with knowledge of Hennesy’s whereabouts or the incident itself to come forward. Tips can also be submitted online at CAMDEN.TIPS. The case has raised significant concern within the community, highlighting the importance of online safety for children and the potential dangers of meeting individuals through social media.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that young people face in the digital age. The National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800-656-4673) provide vital resources for victims of sexual assault, ensuring that help is available for those affected by such traumatic experiences.

As the search for Hennesy intensifies, local law enforcement and the community remain vigilant. Parents are encouraged to engage in open conversations with their children about online interactions and to monitor their digital footprints to help prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

The Pine Hill community is rallying together, hoping for a swift resolution to this troubling case. With Hennesy still at large, the urgency to locate him grows, and authorities emphasize that every piece of information could be crucial in bringing him to justice.

In a world where technology increasingly blurs the lines of safety, this case serves as a call to action for families to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children. By fostering awareness and encouraging dialogue, communities can work together to create a safer environment for the youth.

As the investigation unfolds, updates will be provided to the public, ensuring that the community remains informed about developments in the case. It is essential for everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious activity that may arise.

This case highlights the critical role of community involvement in law enforcement efforts. As authorities continue their search for Shane Hennesy, they rely on the public's assistance to ensure that justice is served and that the safety of children remains a top priority.