Two former Brockway residents accused of sexually abusing a 5-year-old child have been sentenced to decades behind bars, according to Jefferson County District Attorney Jeff Burkett.
Authorities say 32-year-old Justin Ratzel and 29-year-old Raven Jeffrey pleaded guilty earlier this year to various charges, including rape of a child, possessing child pornography and photographing/filming sex acts.
Officials say Ratzel has been sentenced to serve 37 to 85 years in state prison, and Jeffrey was sentenced to serve 35-and-a-half to 71 years in state prison, according to the press release.
Police say the investigation into the pair began in 2020 when a video of Ratzel sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl was uploaded to Facebook messenger.
Authorities say, upon further investigation, they learned that Jeffrey was the one filming the abuse.
I cannot begin to tell you how sickening the evidence was in this case. The Facebook chat that we unearthed was enough to make a person physically ill. I am so thankful that we were able to ensure that this evil couple will not be able to continue to victimize innocent young children. Judge Foradora's tough but fair sentence ensures that they will not see the outside of a prison cell for more than 3 and 1/2 decades. I am also very thankful for the hard work, determination, and professionalism of Tpr. Robert Whyel and Cpl. Bernard Novak of the Northwest Computer Crimes Task Force as well as Jefferson County Children and Youth Services and Western PA Cares for Kids.