Devereux employee charged with sexual abuse of teenage patient – ​​NBC10 Philadelphia

Police are searching for an employee at a Chester County residential treatment center who is accused of sexually abusing a teenage patient.

Shakur Austin, 26, is wanted on numerous charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unauthorized contact with a minor, sexual abuse of a minor, sexual abuse of a minor in an institution, enticement of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child and indecent touching.

The investigation began on July 3, 2024, when West Whiteland Township police were contacted by an employee of Devereux Pennsylvania Children's Services in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The facility provides support for children, teens, and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Employees told police they had been informed of a rumor that a Devereux employee – later identified as Austin – had sexually abused an underage customer.

Devereux's supervisors then reviewed surveillance video and observed Austin receiving oral sex from a 14-year-old john, the criminal complaint states. Investigators said the incident caught on camera occurred on June 30, 2024.

Investigators then contacted the teen's mother, who told police that her daughter had become withdrawn and did not want to talk since being taken out of Devereux. The teen's mother said her daughter told her that Austin often bought her food and allowed her to use the phone at the facility to call family and friends, the criminal complaint states. Investigators also said Austin was assigned to different buildings at the facility where the girl lived and worked at the school the girl attended.

According to investigators, the victim was admitted to Devereux in January 2024. Austin allegedly told the teenager he would meet her once she was released from the facility.

“From what we understand, he may have used his position to manipulate the child before the assault,” West Whiteland Police Detective Michael Buchmann told NBC10. “Perpetrators manipulate children. They offer them gifts and services to abuse them. To make it easier to abuse them so they won't tell anyone.”

According to the indictment, investigators obtained additional surveillance footage of Austin sexually abusing the young girl. They subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Austin and continue to search for him.

Police say Austin has ties to the Philadelphia area and parts of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, including King of Prussia. He is described as a 6'1″ tall, 175 lb. man with black hair and brown eyes. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact West Whiteland Township police.

A spokesperson for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health also issued a statement regarding the allegations against Austin.

“Devereux does not tolerate abuse of any kind – by anyone,” the spokesperson wrote. “We have identified and reported the alleged incident to the authorities and are cooperating fully with the police investigation.”

Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.