SUNBURY - A 70-year-old Trevorton man who was charged by state police last year with sexual-related offenses involving a 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty Thursday to two misdemeanor offenses on the day he was scheduled to go to trial.
Willett Edgar Earnest, of 345 S. Coal St., pleaded guilty before Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage to one count of indecent assault and corruption of minors, which are both misdemeanors of the first degree that each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Earnest will be sentenced after an evaluation is conducted by the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, which will determine if the defendant is a sexually violent predator.
A felony charge of solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and an additional misdemeanor count of indecent assault will be withdrawn at sentencing.
Earnest told Sacavage he clearly understood the ramifications of his guilty plea, which include forfeiting his right to a trial.
Earnest said he was entering the plea under his own free will and was not suffering from any mental health issues, drug or alcohol problems.
Sacavage read the Megan's Law colloquy to Earnest during the 30-minute legal proceeding.
When asked why her client decided to plead guilty instead of facing a jury trial, Attorney Karen Gwyn Muir of State College stated, "Mr. Earnest admitted to some of the criminal behavior and we both felt that it made sense to enter a plea so the young victim and his family, along with Mr. Earnest's family wouldn't have to go through a trial."
In regard to Earnest's plea, Muir said, "It was an appropriate resolution at this time and we'll see what happens at sentencing."
Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski, who was informed Wednesday afternoon that Earnest intended to enter a plea, reserved comment after the legal proceeding.
The victim's parents and sister attended the guilty plea, as did Earnest's wife and son.
Earnest was charged by Trooper Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington with allowing a 14-year-old boy to drive his car in exchange for sexual contact.
According to a criminal complaint filed Feb. 9, 2010, Earnest committed the offenses with the boy at his home between 2:30 and 2:45 p.m. Dec. 27, 2009.
The complaint states the victim, who was employed by Earnest to do part-time work, was taken to lunch by the defendant, who allowed the boy to drive his Mustang after lunch.
Upon returning to Earnest's residence, the defendant told the victim he would allow him to have his Mustang until he turned 16 years of age if he performed sexual acts with him.
Police said Earnest and the victim then went upstairs, where the defendant allegedly grabbed the boy's buttocks and groin before the victim kicked Earnest and ran downstairs and outside the home. The victim then planned to go home, but Earnest reportedly convinced him to allow the defendant to drive him home by allowing the boy to drive part way.
Police reported Earnest told the victim he was sorry and urged him not to tell anybody about the incident.
The victim reported the incident to police on the same day it occurred.
Earnest, who was initially committed to Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury in lieu of $100,000 cash bail, remains free on bail.
