MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Man Who ‘Brainwashed’ And Sexually Assaulted Six Sisters Found Guilty

The girls are now aged between nine and 19 - by marie claire
  • 08 Jun 2017
Man Who ‘Brainwashed’ And Sexually Assaulted Six Sisters Found Guilty

Justice has finally been delivered after a 56-year-old Pennsylvania man who was found living with 11 girls was convicted of multiple sex charges.

A Bucks County Court heard that Lee Kaplan had befriended a struggling Amish family, made six of the sisters his wives and sexually abused the young women for over a decade. According to News Corp, the sisters are now aged between nine and 19. Kaplan fathered two children by one of the girls. 

On Tuesday, the man was convicted of 17 child-sexual assault charges.

“He was brought to justice today, and I’m very happy,” Deputy District Attorney Kate Kohler told The Inquirer.

Action News on 6abc on Twitter

Authorities alleged the parents of the girls had “gifted” their eldest daughter—aged just seven at the time—to Kaplan because he had offered them financial assistance.

In court, Deputy District Attorney Kohler argued that Kaplan had “brainwashed” the family and carried himself as a prophet of God.

“In that world, child rape is the norm,” she said. “Sex with children is ordained by God. They existed for one reason and one reason alone.”

The sisters testified that they had suffered years of abuse of the hands of Kaplan, but some said they still loved him as a husband.

One of the girls told the court Kaplan first molested her when she was just seven years old. The girl’s mother told the court that she knew about the interaction, but thought “it could be a good thing,” News Corp reports.

Philly.com on Twitter

Kaplan’s attorney, Ryan Hyde said his client maintained he was innocent. “He’s said from the very beginning he didn’t do these things,” Hyde explained.

Deputy District Attorney Kohler delivered some good news in light of the girl's tragic past.  Ssince being rescued from Kaplan’s house, the girls are "already starting to spread their wings more,”. 

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

Why Everyone Is Talking About Netflix's 'The Girl In The Picture'

Why Everyone Is Talking About Netflix's 'The Girl In The Picture'

Get You Dream Skin With This Lancome Genifique Serum

Get You Dream Skin With This Lancome Genifique Serum

'Cheer' Star Jerry Harris Has Been Sentenced To 12 Years For Child Pornography Charges

'Cheer' Star Jerry Harris Has Been Sentenced To 12 Years For Child Pornography Charges

Death By Dowry: The Hidden Abuse Happening On Our Doorstep

Death By Dowry: The Hidden Abuse Happening On Our Doorstep

{headline}

{headline}

Australia's Ice Epidemic: How One Town Fought Back

Australia's Ice Epidemic: How One Town Fought Back

Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios Accused Of Assaulting Ex Girlfriend

Tennis Star Nick Kyrgios Accused Of Assaulting Ex Girlfriend

Gen Z Are Ditching Their Day Jobs For An Early Retirement — Here's How

Gen Z Are Ditching Their Day Jobs For An Early Retirement — Here's How

{headline}

{headline}

Australian Actress Maddison Brown On How Life Has Changed Since 'Dynasty'

Australian Actress Maddison Brown On How Life Has Changed Since 'Dynasty'

The 9 Best Stretch Mark Creams And Oils You Can Buy In Australia

The 9 Best Stretch Mark Creams And Oils You Can Buy In Australia

Turns Out, America Only Just Discovered The Electric Kettle & The Internet Is Going Wild

Turns Out, America Only Just Discovered The Electric Kettle & The Internet Is Going Wild

Hannah Clarke Inquest Finds Agencies Failed To Recognise 'Extreme Risk' She Would Be Killed

Hannah Clarke Inquest Finds Agencies Failed To Recognise 'Extreme Risk' She Would Be Killed

Ghislaine Maxwell Has Been Sentenced To 20 Years For Sex Trafficking Crimes

Ghislaine Maxwell Has Been Sentenced To 20 Years For Sex Trafficking Crimes

The Most Poignant Celebrity Reactions To Roe V. Wade Overturned

The Most Poignant Celebrity Reactions To Roe V. Wade Overturned

When And Where To Attend The Solidarity Abortion Protests Happening Across Australia

When And Where To Attend The Solidarity Abortion Protests Happening Across Australia

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire