Former GOP Official in Montco Sentenced For 'Indecent Contact' With Co-Worker
By Brad Segall
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The former head of the Montgomery County Republican Party was convicted today of an indecent assault charge in connection with an incident involving a co-worker after a party last year in Blue Bell, Pa.
Robert Kerns pleaded "no contest" to the misdemeanor charge, admitting no guilt but conceding that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him had the case gone to trial.
The 67-year-old attorney was charged with having indecent contact with the victim after offering her a ride home.
Today, he was sentenced to two years' probation and must register as a sex offender for 15 years.
Pennsylvania deputy attorney general Daniel Dye says the victim is on board with the plea and is not upset that Kerns won't spend time behind bars.
"She is someone that came in here today hoping that he would be 'aired out,' " he tells KYW Newsradio. "In the world that we live in today, many individuals who perpetrate are never seen for who what they truly are, and as of today the defendant is seen for exactly what he is."
The victim told the court she has forgiven Kerns and hopes he gets the help he needs.
Defense attorney Brian McMonagle says his client didn't want to put two families through a contentious trial.
