13-Year-Old Girl Sex Trafficked in Bucks County: Three Men Arrested in Alarming Case

Social Media, Grooming, and the Critical Role of Parental Vigilance in Protecting Children

In a shocking and heartbreaking case out of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, three men have been arrested and charged with the sex trafficking of a 13-year-old girl. The case spans state lines and social media platforms and serves as a disturbing reminder of the real dangers that predators pose in the digital age.

According to Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, Zachary Lee McCauley, a 29-year-old man from Louisville, Kentucky, initiated contact with the victim through Snapchat, where he posed as a 17-year-old boy named "Jake" to deceive and groom the child.

“This case exemplifies just how long the reach is of a child sexual predator using these social media platforms,” Schorn stated.

Grooming Through Deception and Threats

Court documents reveal that McCauley not only deceived the girl about his age and identity, but also used psychological grooming tactics to lower her inhibitions. Over time, these tactics intensified, and he began threatening to harm the girl’s mother if the child did not comply with his demands. These forms of manipulation are common among traffickers, who use fear and shame to maintain control over their victims.

“He used grooming tactics to lower her inhibition, and then those tactics evolved into threatening to inflict harm upon her mother,” Schorn added.

The Role of Dating Apps in Facilitating Abuse

The case took a darker turn when McCauley allegedly instructed the victim to create a profile on Grindr, a dating app not intended for minors. Through this app, two additional men—67-year-old Jon Van Ingen of Buckingham Township, Bucks County, and 42-year-old Randy Quinn of Coopersburg, Lehigh County—made contact with the child. Both are accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting her, including at the Mainstreet Inn in Doylestown.

Investigators say that at least one assault was recorded on a Snapchat video call, underscoring the deeply disturbing digital trail left by these crimes.

A Mother’s Intuition Leads to Justice

The breakthrough in the case came when the child’s mother discovered illicit content on her daughter’s phone, iPad, and MacBook in October 2024. Concerned, she immediately took the devices to the Buckingham Township Police. Months later, after seeing a press conference about a similar child predator case, the mother followed up with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.

“I praise the mother in this case because her instincts were correct,” Schorn said.

Her timely action was crucial in helping authorities uncover the full extent of the abuse and bring multiple suspects to justice.

Charges and Current Status of the Case

McCauley is currently in custody in Kentucky, awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. Both Van Ingen and Quinn have posted bail and are currently out on release, pending further legal proceedings.

District Attorney Schorn emphasized that this case is still an active investigation, and authorities are working to determine whether additional victims may be involved.

“This is unfortunately a theme we see time and time again... these forums allow predators to operate with anonymity,” she warned.

Preventing Future Abuse: Awareness and Dialogue

This case is a harrowing example of how predators exploit technology to target children. DA Schorn urged all parents to engage in open, honest discussions with their children about online safety and to actively monitor their digital activity.

The involvement of multiple online platforms—Snapchat, Grindr, and video calling—demonstrates just how complex and predatory these abuse networks can be.

Legal Help for Victims of Sex Trafficking in Pennsylvania

Victims of child sex trafficking often suffer in silence, unsure of their rights or what legal options exist. At Survivors of Abuse PA, we provide compassionate, experienced legal representation to victims and families seeking justice.

Ashley DiLiberto, Esq., is dedicated to helping survivors of child sexual exploitation across Pennsylvania pursue accountability and secure the compensation they deserve. Our team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and works with discretion, respect, and determination.

If your family has been affected by sex trafficking in PA, you are not alone. Legal support is available, and justice is possible.

Contact Survivors of Abuse PA Today

Call us for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. At Survivors of Abuse PA, we believe every survivor’s story matters—and we’re here to help you tell it.

Source:

CBS News Philadelphia