MILFORD, PA — Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin announced the guilty plea of a New Jersey man for attempted statutory sexual assault of a fifteen-year-old child. Christopher Epperly, age 32, with a last known address of Sussex, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to the charges of criminal attempt to commit statutory sexual assault: 11 years older, unlawful contact with a minor, and possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled or counterfeit substance, all felonies.

Epperly had been communicating with a law enforcement officer who was acting as minor under the age of 18. Epperly was willing to buy the minor alcohol or marijuana. After investigators learned that Epperly was willing to travel to Pike County to engage in sexual contact with a 15-year-old, provide her alcohol and marijuana, they arrested him when he arrived in Pike County. Upon arrest investigators discovered Epperly in possession of a condom, THC and alcoholic beverages.

Epperly is facing a maximum of 20 years in a State Correctional Facility. Epperly is scheduled for a sentencing hearing with Honorable Gregory H. Chelak on December 18, 2026. Judge Chelak ordered the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to evaluate Epperly to determine if he meets the statutory criteria as a sexually violent predator. At minimum Epperly will be required to register under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law for the rest of his life.

The case was investigated by the Pike County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.

Anyone who has any information on any person abusing children should call Pennsylvania Childline at 800/932-0313.