MEDIA, PA (KYW.CNN) - A man who dressed up as Mickey Mouse and Spongebob Squarepants at children’s parties is facing multiple child rape charges.
Michael Cripps was a mask-wearing children’s entertainer who police say took advantage of children in single-parent homes, engaging in relationships with women to prey on their young children. Authorities say there were five victims across 14 locations in Delaware County.
“The MO is very clear,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan. “He goes after young boys, he exploits these young boys, he sexually molests these young boys. In effect, he ruins these young boys’ lives.”
Police say they believe Cripps sexually assaulted children as far back as 2008, all the while running a business in which he played fun-loving characters.
Witnesses said Cripps would share beds with the boys. Prosecutors said the boys’ mothers never suspected the abuse, though one complained that Cripps’ behavior was inappropriate.
“Oh, it’s a parent’s worst nightmare,” Whelan said. “You come to trust somebody, you let that somebody into your house and they victimize your children, or horrendously victimize these children by raping them, basically,”
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