Case update: Commonwealth v. Shawn Sharkey

February 18, 2015-  Dauphin County Judge Todd A. Hoover today sentenced former Susquehanna Township High School assistant principal Shawn Sharkey to 6 months to 18 months in prison.  Judge Hoover ordered that Sharkey is to serve his sentence at the Dauphin County Work Release Center.  In addition to the jail sentence, Judge Hoover sentenced Sharkey to a consecutive 2 years of probation supervision.  The victim's parents were present in court today as Judge Hoover sentenced Sharkey.  

Prior to today's sentencing, Sharkey was evaluated by the Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he constitutes a sexually violent predator under Pennsylvania's Megan's Law.  That evaluation indicated he did not meet the requirements to be classified as a sexually violent predator.  However, Sharkey is still required to register under Megan's Law as a sexual offender for the rest of his life.  His picture and information concerning his residence, employment and other related information will be listed on the Pennsylvania Megan's Law website maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police.      

Sharkey pleaded guilty on November 19, 2014, to Institutional Sexual Assault, Corruption of Minors and Unlawful Contact with a Minor.  Sharkey admitted that, while he was assistant principal at the Susquehanna Township High School, he did engage in a sexual relationship with a 16 year old female student at the school.  Sharkey met the girl shortly after he began working at the school in January 2013.  His contact with the student escalated into a sexual relationship beginning on February 1, 2013.  On multiple occasions from February through March 2013, Sharkey would arrange to pick up the victim in his car and drive to local motels to engage in sexual relations. 

This case was prosecuted for the Commonwealth by Chief Deputy District Attorney Sean McCormack.