NORRISTOWN — A young boy, his face wet with tears, summoned the courage to address the courtroom and share his experience with a Norristown man who had committed a heinous act against him.
With a piece of paper held firmly in his small hands, the brave 12-year-old from Reading spoke directly to Dontay Derrick Brown, labeling some individuals as “evil and heartless.” He asserted, “It has messed me up,” and suggested that Brown should be deeply ashamed.
In a touching moment, Judge Virgil B. Walker of Montgomery County stepped down from the bench to approach the soft-spoken boy, offering his presence as a source of comfort and reassurance. The judge later commended the boy’s bravery, saying, “I am incredibly impressed with your courage.”
As the young boy recounted the abuse he had endured, tears welled up in the eyes of those in the courtroom gallery. After delivering his statement, the child ran into the waiting arms of his mother, overcome with emotion.
Dontay Derrick Brown, 33, who wore a face covering during the court proceedings, displayed no visible reaction to the boy’s words. He did not seize the opportunity to address the judge or express remorse before learning his fate.
Brown had pleaded guilty to two counts each of child rape and corruption of a minor. These charges were related to the sexual assault of two underage boys in Norristown and Berks County between 2017 and 2020 when the boys were under 13 years old. Brown had been a friend of their families.
Another boy, now 16, also confronted Brown in court, expressing his profound hatred and wishing for Brown to carry that knowledge with him.
The mother of one of the boys passionately denounced Brown for his “heartless and evil actions,” emphasizing the irreparable damage he had caused. She lamented the shattering of her son’s trust in people.
The mother of the second boy’s statement, read aloud by a detective, conveyed the pain and suffering inflicted upon innocent souls and her family, emphasizing that these wounds could never be fully healed.
Under a plea agreement that spared the children from testifying at trial, Judge Walker sentenced Brown to 10 to 20 years in a state correctional facility. With an additional three years of consecutive probation, Brown will be under court supervision for 23 years.
In a stern address, Judge Walker called Brown “the worst of our society” and ordered his immediate removal from the courtroom. Brown was prohibited from contacting the boys and their families, as well as other minors. He would undergo a psychosexual evaluation and comply with the recommended treatment.
Furthermore, Brown would be subject to a lifetime requirement of reporting his address to police in accordance with Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act, also known as Megan’s Law.
Turning to the boys, Judge Walker expressed hope that they and their families could move forward and leave this chapter behind. He commended their bravery and encouraged them to embrace the brighter future ahead.
Prosecutor Gabriella Glenning, along with co-prosecutor Bradley Deckel, sought the lengthy prison sentence for Brown, recognizing the gravity of his offenses. They acknowledged the profound impact on the children’s ability to trust and feel safe.
The investigation began in January 2022 when a Norristown woman reported that her 15-year-old son had disclosed a past sexual assault by Brown. Detectives also learned of a 10-year-old boy from Reading who had experienced a similar assault.
Brown was represented by defense lawyer Erin Boyle during the proceedings.