By Online Community News Staff Writer
Mountville, PA — For decades, Field of Screams has been a Halloween staple in Lancaster County, drawing thrill-seekers from across the region with its haunted hayrides and eerie attractions. But behind the fog machines and fake blood, a much darker reality has emerged—one that former volunteers say has haunted them long after the screams stopped.
A recent investigation by Spotlight PA and LNP | LancasterOnline has uncovered disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, coercion, and abuse involving teenage volunteers and adult staff at the popular haunted attraction. At the center of many of these claims is longtime manager Mike King, who multiple former volunteers say used his position to manipulate and exploit young actors.
Danica Gabrielson, who began volunteering at Field of Screams at age 16, told Spotlight PA that King, then 31, began texting her and giving her special attention. What started as flattery quickly escalated into inappropriate touching, sexual comments, and eventually a sexual relationship. Gabrielson, now an adult, says she once viewed the relationship as consensual—but has since come to understand the power imbalance and toxic culture that enabled it.
She is not alone. Eighteen current and former volunteers shared similar stories with reporters, describing a workplace where boundaries were blurred and complaints were ignored. Makeup artist Heather Smee recalled being groped by King and suffering a seizure after he allegedly threw her from an ATV during a confrontation. Despite reporting the incident to co-owner Jim Schopf, she says no meaningful action was taken.
The Schopf brothers, who founded Field of Screams in 1993, have denied wrongdoing and issued a statement calling the allegations “unsubstantiated.” They maintain that no criminal charges have ever been filed and that they encourage anyone with concerns to contact law enforcement.
But for many former volunteers, the lack of accountability has only deepened their frustration. In 2020, a Facebook group titled Untold Stories of Field of Screams gained traction, with over 1,000 members sharing their experiences. Posts detailed not only sexual misconduct but also unsafe working conditions, verbal abuse, and a culture of silence. Some commenters alleged that the attraction’s economic influence in Mountville has shielded it from scrutiny.
Despite multiple investigations by local police and the Lancaster County District Attorney’s office, no charges have been filed to date. Critics say the system has failed the young people who trusted Field of Screams to be a safe place to work and grow.
As Halloween approaches once again, the screams may return—but so too will the voices of those who refuse to be silenced.
How many years will this have to be reported before someone ACTUALLY does something about it? My daughter asked to “volunteer” there almost 10 years ago, but I had heard about what goes on and told her no. Here we are, a decade later and kids are still working for free and being touched inappropriately by an adult. This is child molestation at least, rape if actually considered. Possibly trafficking. What other business gets free labor out of the local teens and doesn’t have to pay for it. There really should be a lawsuit with a goal of paying back wages to EVERY one of the kids who worked there for EVERY single hour they contributed to the wealth of the owners. Which local attorney is going to take this case, pro bono, for the sake of the community? What detective is actually going to address this?