PA Pastor Michael McMullen Facing Multiple Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse After Multiple Victims Come Forward

Dauphin County Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing Multiple Minors Over Several Decades

A Dauphin County pastor accused of sexually abusing multiple minor victims spanning several decades is behind bars. New alleged victims are continuing to emerge after his initial arrest, according to authorities.

Michael A. McMullen Sr., 68, was first arrested in November of last year by Susquehanna Township Police on charges of corruption of minors, indecent assault of a person under the age of 16, and unlawful contact with a minor. Those charges stem from an incident on September 9, 2025, during which McMullen was serving as pastor at St. John AME Church in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

More Victims Come Forward After the Initial Arrest of Accused Pastor

Following McMullen's arrest on the initial charges, Harrisburg Police reported that additional victims came forward to report abuse. The disclosures triggered a separate case in which McMullen now faces charges of indecent assault of a person under the age of 16, corruption of minors, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13.

Abuse Allegedly Spanned Years and Targeted Multiple Family Members

One victim, now 34 years old, told investigators that McMullen allegedly touched her inappropriately and made lewd comments when she was only 10 years old. The alleged abuse escalated as she grew older. Court documents state that when the victim was 11 or 12, McMullen followed her into a bedroom on Easter Sunday and sexually assaulted her.

The same victim told authorities that McMullen allegedly sexually abused three other members of her family. Her mother also came forward, reporting that she herself was sexually abused by McMullen when she was a minor — a disclosure that points to a pattern of alleged abuse reaching back across generations.

Police Asking Public for Additional Information

Harrisburg Police are asking anyone with information related to McMullen or his alleged conduct to come forward. Tips can be submitted by contacting Harrisburg Police directly at 717-558-6900.

The factual information above was sourced from dailyvoice.com as of May 28, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

What Survivors of Pastoral Sexual Abuse Need to Know About Their Legal Rights

When a trusted religious leader is accused of sexual abuse, the path forward can feel overwhelming for survivors. The weight of institutional loyalty, community ties, and years of silence can make it difficult to know where to turn or whether taking action is even possible. We spoke with Pennsylvania sexual abuse attorney Ashley DiLiberto to get straightforward answers about the legal options available to survivors — from civil lawsuits to institutional accountability — and why it is never too late to ask the question.

Q: Can victims of clergy sexual abuse pursue both criminal and civil cases at the same time?

A: Yes. Criminal charges are brought by the state, but victims also have the independent right to file a civil lawsuit against the abuser and, in many cases, the institution that employed or supervised them. These are two separate legal tracks, and one does not prevent the other. A civil case can move forward regardless of how the criminal case resolves.

Q: Pennsylvania recently changed its statute of limitations laws for childhood sexual abuse. What does that mean for survivors?

A: Pennsylvania passed significant reforms giving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse a much broader window to come forward. Many survivors carry trauma for years or even decades before they feel ready to report. The law now recognizes that reality. If someone was abused as a child and previously believed it was too late to take legal action, that may no longer be the case, and speaking with an attorney is the best way to understand where they stand.

Q: Can a church or religious organization be held legally responsible, not just the individual abuser?

A: Absolutely. Institutions can face liability when they knew or should have known about an abuser's conduct and failed to act, failed to properly screen or supervise employees, or created conditions that allowed abuse to occur. Holding an institution accountable is often a critical part of a civil case, and it can also drive systemic change that protects future victims.

Q: What should someone do if they were abused but never reported it?

A: The first step is to speak confidentially with an attorney who handles sexual abuse cases. There is no obligation to file anything right away. An attorney can explain your rights, assess the timeline, and help you understand all available options without pressure. Reporting to law enforcement is a separate decision that remains entirely yours to make. Many survivors find that simply having that private conversation helps them understand they are not alone and that options exist.

Q: Is there anything specific about cases involving clergy that survivors should know?

A: Religious settings often involve deep trust — in the abuser, in the institution, and in the broader community. That trust can make it harder for survivors to be believed, harder to come forward, and harder to process what happened. But it does not make it harder to take legal action. Courts take these cases seriously. The power dynamic involved when an abuser holds a position of spiritual authority is something experienced attorneys understand well and know how to present effectively on a survivor's behalf.

Your Story Matters — And So Does Your Right to Justice

If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a pastor, priest, or any person in a position of religious authority, you do not have to face this alone. Attorney Ashley DiLiberto and her team are ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand every option available to you — with no pressure and no obligation. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your voice.