A routine shopping trip turned frightening at a Chester County Walmart, where Pennsylvania State Police say a man followed and indecently assaulted an 11-year-old girl inside the store at West Sadsbury Commons.
Investigators allege 26-year-old Joseph Bouffard trailed the child through the aisles and touched her when she became separated from her mother. Court documents list the offenses as occurring on Jan. 24, and Bouffard was arraigned in Parkesburg District Court, then released on $25,000 unsecured bail, according to CBS Philadelphia. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Trooper Christopher Johnson at 610-486-6280.
What police say
State police say Bouffard followed the girl around the store and grabbed her when she became separated from her mother in the beverage aisle. The child then ran back to her mom, per 6abc.
Investigators released an image of the suspect along with the department’s account of the incident, hoping shoppers or employees who were in the area might come forward. The law-enforcement release describes the allegations as indecent assault and unlawful sexual contact with a minor.
Court calendar and charges
Bouffard is charged with indecent assault, unlawful sexual contact with a minor, and corruption of minors. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 16, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence and decide whether any sentence enhancements or additional counts are appropriate as the case moves forward. For now, court papers place the alleged incident in late January, and Bouffard remains free on unsecured bail.
Legal context
Under Pennsylvania law, “indecent assault” (18 Pa.C.S. § 3126) covers indecent contact and, when the complainant is under 13, is typically graded as a first-degree misdemeanor. It can be elevated to a third-degree felony in certain situations, including a course of conduct or contact involving sexual parts.
“Corruption of minors” (18 Pa.C.S. § 6301) can range from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony depending on whether the conduct violates Chapter 31. Those statutes are outlined in the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 and Chapter 63 (Minors). As prosecutors weigh the facts and any prior record, grading and potential penalties can change.
How to help and resources
Police continue to ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Trooper Christopher Johnson at 610-486-6280, per CBS Philadelphia. Investigators say they are especially interested in hearing from anyone who may have witnessed the interaction or captured video inside the store.
Victims and witnesses seeking support can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit RAINN for confidential resources. Local authorities say the investigation remains active and urge anyone with information to step forward.
