How Could You? Hall of Shame-Anthony Beckem, Jr.

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

A 2023 case has come to light.

From Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an adoptive parent, Anthony Beckem, Jr., 34, “was found guilty by a jury on charges involving the sexual abuse of children.

Anthony Beckem Jr. was found guilty on Feb. 1, 2023, of more than 20 charges including the rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and aggravated indecent assault.

The district attorney’s office says a police tip that Beckem Jr. was sexually abusing multiple children sparked the investigation. After the investigation, the district attorney claimed Beckem was sexually abusing three juvenile victims over the span of a decade.

Judge Peck, who heard Beckem Jr.’s trial, adjusted Beckem Jr.’s bail to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2023.”

Harrisburg man found guilty on 20+ child sex abuse charges
[ABC 27 2/2/23 by Madison Montag]

“Anthony Beckem, Jr., 34, of Harrisburg, was sentenced Monday, July 31, to serve between 24 and a half and 51 years in state prison by Judge Christylee Peck. Following his release, Beckem will also have to spend three years on probation, the DA’s office said.

“What makes this case especially horrendous is the fact that this defendant, as a foster parent, was supposed to be providing a refuge for children who already had experienced disruptions during their childhood,” District Attorney Seán M. McCormack said in a statement. “Instead, he betrayed the trust placed in him and caused even greater harm to these children. Judge Peck appropriately factored the defendant’s broken trust into the 24 ½ to 51-year sentence she handed down in this case.”

According to the DA’s office, Beckem was convicted of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, attempt and solicitation to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, strangulation, aggravated indecent assault, incest, corruption of minors, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and simple assault.”

Three different children were adopted and sexually abused by Beckem when they were nine years old up until about 16 yers-old [sic], the DA’s Office said. Beckem forced the children to perform sexual acts with him and, one of the victims who is a girl would be physically abused if she resisted.”

In addition to his time in state prison, Beckem will also have to register as a sex offender and comply with all requirements for sexually violent predators.”

DA: Harrisburg man found guilty of raping children sentenced
[ABC 27 8/4/23 by Jarod Weaver]

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