LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A former caretaker faces up to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting 14 people with mental illness and other disabilities, the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office said.
James Zook, 69, of Mountville, was a caretaker at Faith Friendship Villa in West Hempfield Township, a nonprofit personal care home. Zook was convicted of abusing people ranging in age from 33 to 69, all of whom had intellectual or physical disabilities.
“This was a man who used his position in order to victimize adults who could not protect themselves for 15-plus years,” Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick said during the sentencing proceeding.
In September 2023, Zook pleaded guilty to to 329 counts of institutional sexual assault, 333 counts of indecent assault and one count of disorderly conduct.
“Many of these victims experienced trauma and abuse previously in their lives and seek refuge at Faith Friendship Villa,” the Villa's executive director said. “He preyed on their vulnerabilities.”
She also spoke during the proceeding and read statements from nine of the victims, many of whom said they considered Zook a friend and showed forgiveness. She says 12 of 14 victims have returned to the program.
“It’s clear to me the deep and long-lasting consequences each victim will continue to suffer from,” Judge Reinaker said before ordering sentence.
Haverstick called the first victim to speak up a hero; that person’s family spoke during the proceeding, saying the full extent of Zook’s conduct was revealed “as a result of [the victim] telling the truth.”
Zook read a statement apologizing and saying he regretted his actions when given the opportunity by Reinaker, the District Attorney's Office said.
Haverstick commended the victims for their strength and bravery in speaking with investigators and detailing the abuse.
The investigation began in August 2022 when the first victim came forward. After Zook was arrested, additional victims came forward to report abuse.
Zook was sentenced to 13 years and 9 months to 28 years in prison. A licensed psychologist also found him to be a sexually violent predator, meaning that he must register for life and notify any potential neighbors under Megan's Law.
