Delaware County Man Sentenced for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl

Barry Cunningham will serve 10 to 20 years in prison for the July 2024 assault in Upper Providence Township.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the serious consequences faced by an adult convicted of sexually assaulting a child.The harsh glare of a camera flash illuminates the physical restraint of a convicted sexual predator, a sobering reminder of the consequences of abusing the trust of minors.Norristown Today

A 45-year-old Delaware County man, Barry Cunningham, has been sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison for raping a 13-year-old girl who was in his company at an Upper Providence Township location in July 2024. Cunningham pleaded guilty to charges of rape and endangering the welfare of a child, and will also face a three-year probationary period following parole, as well as a lifetime requirement to report his address to state police.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for adults who abuse the trust of minors and commit sexual crimes against children. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the gravity of Cunningham's actions and the importance of protecting vulnerable young victims from predatory behavior.

The details

According to authorities, on July 3, 2024, Cunningham touched the 13-year-old girl in an indecent manner and forcibly raped her at a location along Campus Drive where the victim was residing. The girl told detectives that she was 'shaking and moving' during the assault and told Cunningham 'no I don't want to do that,' but he responded by saying 'You have to do whatever I say now, and you better not tell anyone or it's going to be a problem.' After the assault, the girl reported the incident to her mother, who contacted the police. Prosecutors were prepared to present DNA evidence linking Cunningham to the sexual assault if the case had gone to trial.

  • On July 3, 2024, Cunningham raped the 13-year-old girl.
  • On February 3, 2026, Cunningham was sentenced in Montgomery County Court.

The players

Barry Cunningham

A 45-year-old man from the 1100 block of East 8th Street in Eddystone, Delaware County, who pleaded guilty to charges of rape and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the July 2024 assault.

Gabriella Eileen Glenning

The assistant district attorney who sought the prison term for Cunningham, arguing that he 'is someone who had gained the trust of the victim's family and completely shattered that on this day when he took advantage of her.'

Thomas C. Branca

The senior judge who sentenced Cunningham to 10 to 20 years in a state correctional facility, followed by a three-year probationary period, and ordered him to have no contact with the victim, her family, or other minors.

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What they’re saying

“You have to do whatever I say now, and you better not tell anyone or it's going to be a problem.”

— Barry Cunningham

“She was shaking and moving during the assault and told Cunningham 'no I don't want to do that'.”

— Victim

What’s next

Cunningham faces a lifetime requirement to report his address to state police in order to comply with the state's Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of holding adults accountable for abusing the trust of minors and committing sexual crimes against children. The lengthy prison sentence and lifetime registration requirements reflect the gravity of Cunningham's actions and the need to protect vulnerable young victims from predatory behavior.