A Graham Township man appeared in Clearfield County court Wednesday where he was sentenced to serve decades behind bars for sexually abusing multiple children.
Officials say Edward McGuire, 74, was found guilty on five felony counts of attempted rape of a child and one misdemeanor count of indecent assault.
On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 17-and-a-half to 35 years in prison, as well as an additional 12 consecutive years if he serves the maximum sentence, meaning he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Police arrested McGuire in October after he was accused of sexually abusing two young children, one of whom was a relative of his.
District attorney Ryan Sayers says the Commonwealth asked that the sentences be serve consecutively and adds that prosecutors “feel that justice was served.”
Family members of the victims also testified prior to McGuire’s sentencing and asked that he receive the maximum sentence possible.
They testified that they “trusted him” with their kids and said that “they will never forgive him.”
Family members of the victims also encouraged any child who is experiencing abuse to speak out, however uncomfortable it may be.
“Child abuse is everywhere, all walks of life, and we need to educate our children so that they’re not keeping silent. They need to realize that there is help out there.”
