SUNBURY - A 57-year-old Elysburg man charged with sexually molesting a young female over a two-year period avoided trial last week by pleading no contest to a felony count of corruption of minors.
Lon E. Gilger, of 6 E. Mill St., entered the plea July 27 before Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest, who will sentence the defendant at 1:15 p.m. Oct. 26.
As part of the plea agreement, Gilger must register as a sex offender for 15 years. Wiest ordered the defendant to undergo an evaluation to determine if he's a sexually violent predator. If he's deemed a sexually violent predator, Gilger must meet Megan's Law requirements for life.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment and $15,000 fine.
Felonies of aggravated indecent assault of a child and aggravated indecent assault, and misdemeanors of indecent assault and indecent exposure will not be prosecuted at sentencing.
The charges were filed in 2013 by Ralpho Township Cpl. Bryon Chowka.
Gilger, who is free on $80,000 cash bail, is accused of having improper contact with a girl between July 2010 and July 2012. Police said the offenses started when the victim was 11 years old.
According to a criminal complaint, Gilger allegedly touched the female on several occasions, tried to have the female touch him after exposing himself and attempted to look up her shorts as she laid in bed.
Police said the juvenile confided with a family friend about the incidents in emails and went to police in July 2012, when the investigation started.
When interviewed by police, Gilger denied the accusations.
Due to numerous delays mostly on Gilger's part, including eight continuances totaling 363 days, the case has dragged on for two years. Gilger's motion to dismiss the charges based on Rule 600 was denied March 13. Under Rule 600, a defendant must go to trial within 365 days after being charged if continuances aren't granted on his or her part.
Gilger was scheduled to go to trial several times since early 2014, including July 29.