PA Superior Court Issues Split Ruling in Mancuso Brothers Case

Lackawanna County DA says decision will put sexual abuse victims at a disadvantage

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of paper evidence, its torn edges and textured surface conveying a sense of gritty investigation into a disturbing crime.The Superior Court's split ruling in the Mancuso brothers' sexual abuse case raises concerns about the challenges of prosecuting delayed disclosure crimes.Dickson City Today

The Pennsylvania Superior Court issued a split ruling on appeals by three brothers who were convicted in 2022 of sexually abusing a teenage girl at their Dickson City game shop in the mid-2000s. The court reversed the sentences of two brothers, with one getting a new trial, while upholding the conviction of the third brother but ordering a resentencing.

Why it matters

The Superior Court's decision has raised concerns that it will make it more difficult for victims of delayed-disclosure sexual abuse cases to seek justice, potentially undermining the state legislature's efforts to expand victims' rights.

The details

The three Mancuso brothers - Sean, Damien, and Rian - were found guilty in a 2022 jury trial of sexually abusing a teenage girl who frequented their Dickson City game shop, Adventure Games, in the mid-2000s. In 2023, the brothers were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 months to 17 years. The Superior Court's split ruling reversed the sentences of Damien and Rian Mancuso, with Damien's conviction being completely overturned and Rian getting a new trial. The court upheld Sean Mancuso's convictions but ordered him to be resentenced.

  • The brothers were arrested in 2020 after the victim, now 39, reported the assaults that occurred when she was between 14 and 16 years old, beginning in 2003.
  • The jury trial took place in October 2022.
  • The brothers were sentenced in July 2023.

The players

Sean Mancuso

The 55-year-old former operator of Adventure Games in Dickson City, who was convicted of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, and corruption of a minor.

Damien Mancuso

Sean's 47-year-old brother, who was convicted of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and corruption of a minor.

Rian Mancuso

Sean and Damien's 46-year-old brother, who was convicted of indecent assault and corruption of a minor.

Brian Gallagher

The Lackawanna County District Attorney, who said the Superior Court's decision will put victims of abuse at a disadvantage.

Michael Barrasse

The Lackawanna County Judge who sentenced the Mancuso brothers in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“This opinion risks silencing victims and preventing prosecutions before they ever begin.”

— Brian Gallagher, Lackawanna County District Attorney

“While the Court upheld one brother's conviction, remanding only for resentencing, it reversed another conviction on grounds that, in our view, impose an unworkable standard in delayed disclosure sexual abuse cases.”

— Brian Gallagher, Lackawanna County District Attorney

“This decision will have devastating effects on sexual abuse investigations.”

— Brian Gallagher, Lackawanna County District Attorney

What’s next

The Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office is actively analyzing the merits of seeking further review of the Superior Court's decision before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

The takeaway

The split ruling by the Pennsylvania Superior Court has raised concerns that it could make it more difficult for victims of delayed-disclosure sexual abuse cases to seek justice, potentially undermining the state legislature's efforts to expand victims' rights.