PENBROOK, PA — A 26-year-old man from Penbrook is facing 40 criminal charges, including rape and sexual extortion, after police say he used threats and deception to coerce multiple victims into sex acts.
Skylar Vandevander was arrested on April 17 and arraigned the following day. He is currently being held without bail in Dauphin County Prison, according to the Penbrook Police Department.
The investigation alleges Vandevander met some of his victims online and secretly obtained private videos or recordings of them. In several cases, he misrepresented his intentions or recorded individuals without their knowledge.
Police say he then used those recordings to extort victims, threatening to publicly release the content unless they complied with his demands for sexual acts. Investigators also allege he used coercion and threats as part of his pattern of abuse.
Vandevander is charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual extortion, failure to comply with Megan’s Law requirements, and other offenses.
Police suspect additional victims may exist
Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information or who believes they may have been victimized is urged to contact Officer Tritt of the Penbrook Police Department at itritt@penbrook.org or (717) 232-3844.
Key Points
- Skylar Vandevander, 26, is charged with 40 offenses, including rape and sexual extortion
- Police say he used online contact, secret recordings, and threats to coerce multiple victims
- Authorities believe more victims may be unidentified and are seeking information