York County Man Sentenced to Up to 5 Years in Prison in Human Trafficking Sting

A York County man has been sentenced to up to five years in prison following a human trafficking sting in which he attempted to buy sex from a 14-year-old. Mark D. Anderson, 58, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of attempting to patronize a victim of human trafficking and attempted statutory sexual assault.

Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick reported that Anderson had arranged online to pay $200 to engage with a 14-year-old. He planned to meet the minor on May 20 at a location in Mountville, where officers from the Lancaster County Human Trafficking Task Force were waiting.

Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker sentenced Anderson to a prison term of 2½ to 5 years. In a plea deal, seven additional charges against him were dismissed.

Anderson’s attorney, Chris Ferro, noted that his client had cooperated with investigators and taken responsibility. Anderson, who has been married for 36 years, had no prior criminal record beyond traffic violations.

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