Former Lancaster City police officer Andrew Selby has been sentenced to 22 and a half to 57 years in prison for sexually assaulting minors in the 1990s. The sentencing took place last week after Selby, 56, was convicted in June of multiple charges, including rape and sexual assault of three girls he met while on duty.
Senior Judge William P. Mahon, who presided over the case, described Selby's actions as "insidious" and emphasized that the lengthy sentence serves as a message that public trust should never be abused. Selby was found guilty of several felonies, including rape of a person less than 13 years of age and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.
According to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office, Selby encountered his victims through his police work. One victim, who was raped by another man a week before Selby was assigned to her case, spoke in court about how his actions further eroded her trust in social institutions.
Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Lapp emphasized Selby's abuse of power and his failure to admit guilt. Despite character witnesses speaking on Selby's behalf, Mahon noted that Selby's lack of accountability showed he was not working toward rehabilitation.
District Attorney Heather Adams expressed hope that the sentence brings peace to the victims and serves as a step toward their healing. She also thanked law enforcement and prosecutors for their efforts in holding Selby accountable.
The case has highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity in positions of public trust, with the court hoping the sentence will deter similar abuses in the future.
