DRUMORE TOWNSHIP, Pa.–A Lancaster County father and his two sons are heading to trial after waving their preliminary hearing Thursday on sex abuse charges.
The trio is accused of sexually abusing three young girls between 2005 and 2009.
Ephraim B. Zook, 50, of Drumore Township, is charged with rape of a child, indecent assault on a person less than 16 years of age, unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, incest, corruption of minors and indecent assault forcible compulsion.
Ivan Zook, 24, is charged with rape of a child, indecent assault on a person less than 13 years of age, two counts of indecent assault on a person less than 16 years of age and incest.
Daniel Zook, 27, is charged with indecent assault on a person less than 13 years of age and contact/communications with a minor.
The trio were arrested on July 16 at their home located along the 1000 block of Osceola Drive in Drumore Township. Pennsylvania State Police opened an investigation after being contacted by Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency.
The three men each admitted to sexually abusing the girls while they were questioned by state police, according the criminal complaint.
According to court documents, Ephraim sexually abused one of the victims beginning when she was 13-years-old in 2008. The victim, who is now 21, told investigators that Ephraim touched her inappropriately on numerous occasions in the cellar at his home. Ephraim stated in the criminal complaint and affidavit that he believed he may have had sex with the victim and “released” into his underwear because he did not want her to get her pregnant.
Ivan admitted to police that he inappropriately touched a different girl when she was 8-years-old, court documents state. The victim, who is now 17 years old, told investigators that the sexual abuse occurred between 2005 and 2006. While being questioned in that case–Ivan also admitted to having sex with a 6-year-old girl when he was 15-years-old, according to court documents.
Daniel is accused of touching the same girl his father sexually abused when she was between the ages of 11 and 12. The victim told police that Daniel “abused her” while they were alone, court documents state.
The trio are expected back in court on October 14 for their formal arraignment.
