by KYW's David Madden
A former Delaware County, Pa. youth pastor has reached a plea deal with prosecutors on charges that he sexually assaulted several girls more than a quarter century ago.
The former Rev. Gerald Klever, now 76, pleaded no contest to a single count of rape and guilty to a count of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, both felonies.
David Hartrum (right), a leader at the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, read a statement in court on behalf of the congregation:
"I am without words to adequately describe the feelings of pain, distrust, betrayal and fear Mr. Klever has caused our congregation. We are all angry, deeply saddened that his actions while an associate pastor and staff member at our church caused so much pain for these women and their families."
Under the deal, Klever will serve 10 years' probation, the first year under house arrest in Arizona. He’ll also do 1,000 hours of community service, pay nearly $25,000 in restitution, and face what’s left of his life on the "Megan’s Law" registry for sexual offenders.
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