A 30‑year‑old former house parent is charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a 16‑year‑old boy while giving him guns, drugs and money.
Charges and Investigation
Cristal Betancourt, 30, faces charges of institutional sexual assault of a minor, possession of a firearm by a minor, corruption of minors, endangering the welfare of children, and related offenses. The investigation began in January 2025 after police in Lancaster County saw a photo of Betancourt with a 16‑year‑old boy holding a weapon. The boy was on probation at the time.
Role at the Feasterville Home
Betancourt worked as a “house parent” at a Community Service Foundation (CSF) facility in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, where troubled teens live under court‑ordered full‑time residency. House parents live with the teens to provide structure and recommend passes for short trips home. CSF employees said house parents were not allowed to keep firearms inside the home and were prohibited from giving or receiving money from the teens.
Allegations of Abuse
Investigators determined that Betancourt had a sexual relationship with the teen from November to December 2024. The teen told police that Betancourt bribed him with guns, money and drugs in exchange for sex. He described Betancourt as “crazy” and said that on one occasion she pointed a gun to his head to force him to have sex with her, according to investigators. The teen also said that Betancourt told him in December 2024 that she was pregnant by him and asked him for money to pay for Plan B medication, according to the criminal complaint.
Police Findings
Betancourt admitted to owning two handguns inside the Feasterville home; only one was found, and she claimed the other was stolen. The stolen gun matched the one the teen held in the photo. Police also found that Betancourt had driven the teen to Lancaster County without permission, and that she told CSF he was at a Costco in Warminster while cellphone data showed they were actually in Lancaster County. Numerous financial transactions between Betancourt and the teen were uncovered, violating CSF policies.
Current Status
A warrant was issued for Betancourt’s arrest, but she has not yet surrendered. Court records do not list an attorney for her. Betancourt was fired by CSF. Her LinkedIn page lists her as a family resource counselor with jobs in New York and Pennsylvania.
Resources for Victims
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.
Key Takeaways
- Betancourt faces multiple serious charges, including sexual assault of a minor and firearm possession by a minor.
- Allegations include bribery with guns, money and drugs, and forced sexual acts with a gun pointed at the teen.
- Police uncovered firearms, financial transactions, and violations of CSF policies, leading to Betancourt’s dismissal.
The case highlights the serious risks posed by individuals in positions of authority over vulnerable teens and underscores the importance of strict oversight in rehabilitation programs.
