Former judge goes to prison in Pa. molestation case

MEDIA, Pa. (AP) — A former suburban Philadelphia judge faces up to a year in prison for inappropriate contact with a 12-year-old girl.

Former Magisterial District Judge Gerald Liberace was sentenced today to at least six months in prison for corruption of minors and child endangerment. Liberace had been acquitted of indecent assault.

Prosecutors say the 69-year-old longtime Haverford Township judge inappropriately touched the girl when she was left in his care in 2004. The allegations were reported to law enforcement in July 2009.

In taped conversations that summer, Liberace is heard to say that he meant nothing sexual. Liberace’s attorney questioned the allegations, saying the girl acknowledged seeking frequent contact with Liberace for several years.