Robert Kerns, the former chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee in Pennsylvania, pleaded no-contest to a misdemeanor count of indecent assault after being charged with rape and related charges in April.
The charges stem from an alleged incident from last year, leading to Kern’s initial arrest on 19 counts, including rape and drug charges.
As Raw Story reported at the time, “sources told several news outlets … that Robert Kerns had gotten drunk and assaulted a woman following a GOP dinner in October.”
By entering the plea on Monday, Kerns, 67, did not admit to the assault, but acknowledged that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him as reported by Montgomery Media.
Deputy Attorney General Daniel Dye stated on Monday that:
This is absolutely a conviction. There is no difference under the law between a guilty plea and a no-contest plea. In other words, a guilty-plea is ‘I did it’ and a no contest plea is ‘you got me.’
As per terms of the plea, Kerns was sentenced to two years probation, will have to register as a sex offender for the next 15 years and was ordered to pay a fine and restitution.
Dye told Montgomery Media that the victim was pleased with the terms of the plea agreement, explaining that
She’s an amazing woman and she’s in agreement with the resolution and she wants to put the case behind her. To her, the defendant having to register for 15 years as a sex-offender is a significant victory.
Dye also read a statement by the victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous:
I believe justice has been served by the plea and sentence of the defendant today and that other women will be protected as a result of it. I will not say this is has been an easy road, but I do believe it is one that promotes healing and brings power back to you.
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