Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor announced that on May 21, Shawn Butler, 53, of Hillsborough was found guilty of 3rd degree Prohibited Participation in a Youth Serving Organization.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that due to a previous sexual assault-related conviction, Butler was prohibited from participating in youth serving organizations, reports say.
According to officials, he violated this law by participating in a youth ministry at a religious center in Franklin Township, as a youth counselor, youth mentor, and youth chaperone. The children that he counseled, mentored, and chaperoned were between the ages of 12 to 17 years old.
Reports say that Defendant Butler worked with these children by supervising and mentoring them at various youth ministry events/activities including overnight camps, concerts, outings, and youth groups.
Assistant Prosecutor Kim Savino-French represented the State during the trial, officials say. The sentencing is scheduled for July 19 before the Honorable Kevin M. Shanahan, P.J.Cr. Butler faces up to 5 years in prison with a 2 ½ year parole disqualifier.