Key Takeaways
- Lancaster County authorities have charged Steve Anthony Jones, Jr., 42, in connection with three sexual abuse investigations.
- In one case, Jones allegedly used his position to repeatedly sexually assault a disabled woman during overnight shifts.
- While the criminal cases remain ongoing, survivors of healthcare sexual abuse may have civil legal options.
Steve Anthony Jones Jr. Charged in Three Separate Sexual Abuse Investigations
A Lancaster County home healthcare worker is facing numerous felony charges after authorities alleged he sexually abused three victims, including a mentally disabled woman.
According to Lancaster Township Police, Steve Anthony Jones Jr., 42, has been charged in three separate criminal cases involving allegations that he raped a 10-year-old child, exposed himself to a 14-year-old child, and repeatedly sexually assaulted a 28-year-old non-verbal woman with intellectual disabilities during overnight shifts.
Investigators allege the abuse involving the disabled woman was uncovered after police executed search warrants for Jones’ cellphones.
Jones remains incarcerated while the criminal proceedings continue.
Investigation into Steve Anthony Jones Jr.
According to Lancaster Township Police, on May 8, 2026, officers responded to a report of sexual assault. According to CrimeWatch, “The sexual assault was investigated by the LTPD Criminal Investigations Unit and Lancaster County Children and Youth. The investigation showed that Jones entered the Victim child’s bedroom on May 8, 2026, and sexually assaulted the Victim child during the early morning hours.”
Authorities subsequently obtained an arrest warrant charging Jones with multiple sexual offenses, including:
- Rape of a child
- Deviate sexual Intercourse with a child
- Statutory sexual assault
- Aggravated indecent assault of a child
- Sexual assault
- Indecent assault of a person less than 13 YOA
- Indecent assault without consent of other
During that investigation, detectives also discovered that Jones had allegedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of a 14-year-old girl during a separate incident in December 2025. Jones was charged with corruption of minors and indecent exposure in that case.
Police arrested Jones on May 12, 2026, and he was booked into the Lancaster County Prison.
Allegations Involving a Disabled Home Healthcare Patient
During the investigation, authorities obtained search warrants to examine Jones’ cellphones.
According to investigators, a forensic examination conducted by the Lancaster County Digital Forensic Unit “identified videos and photographs of Mr. Jones having sexual intercourse with what appeared to be a mentally disabled female in November of 2024.”
According to Lancaster Township Police, authorities interviewed Jones’ former employers and identified the alleged victim through a Lancaster home healthcare company as one of their patients. Authorities have not publicly identified the name of the home healthcare company involved.
“The victim patient is a 28-year-old mentally disabled and non-verbal female. It was determined that on four occasions while working overnight shifts for the home healthcare facility, Mr. Jones entered into the victim’s bedroom while she was sleeping, disrobed her, and would rape and sodomize the victim.” (CrimeWatch)
According to investigators, Jones held the victim down at times, put his hand around her throat as if choking her, and struck her both with his hands and a nylon strap.
Police also allege Jones recorded himself committing the assaults on his cellphone and that the recordings were stored on both his personal device and a cellphone used by his 14-year-old son. His son was reportedly able to view these photos and videos.
As a result of these allegations, Jones was charged with a total of 27 counts, including:
- Rape of a mentally disabled person
- Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- Aggravated indecent assault
- Sexual assault
- Institutional sexual assault of a care-dependent person by a caretaker
- Sexual extortion
- Indecent assault of a person with a mental disability
- False imprisonment
- Simple assault
The Unique Risks of Sexual Abuse in Home Healthcare Settings
Individuals with disabilities often depend on caregivers or those in similar roles for assistance with personal care, medical needs, mobility, and other essential daily activities.
Because much of that care occurs inside private homes and during overnight shifts, home healthcare employees may have significant unsupervised access to vulnerable adults. Families place tremendous trust in these individuals to provide compassionate, safe, and professional care. If that trust is violated, survivors may face substantial barriers to reporting what happened, particularly when they have communication challenges.
Sexual abuse cases involving vulnerable adults underscore the importance of robust screening, supervision, reporting procedures, and other safeguards designed to protect individuals receiving in-home care.
Criminal Proceedings and Civil Accountability
The criminal proceedings will determine whether Jones is found guilty of the pending charges and, if so, the sentence imposed by the court.
Civil claims, however, serve a different purpose. They allow survivors to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered while examining whether institutions took reasonable steps to protect vulnerable individuals from foreseeable abuse.
When allegations arise in caregiving settings, civil investigations may explore whether employers conducted appropriate background checks, maintained adequate supervision, responded appropriately to warning signs, or implemented safeguards designed to prevent abuse.
Legal Options for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Individuals with disabilities deserve compassionate care delivered in safe environments. When a professional exploits their position of trust, survivors and their families may have legal options.
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse by caregivers, healthcare providers, and other professionals throughout the United States.
If you or someone you love was harmed by Steve Anthony Jones, Jr., or another professional in a similar position, our attorneys are here to help.
We offer free, confidential consultations to help survivors understand their legal rights and explore their options for healing and justice.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney.
Image source: Mugshot of Steve Anthony Jones, Jr., via CrimeWatch.
