Western Pa. molester blames lifelong rebellious streak for his actions

SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania child molester who blames his crimes on a lifelong rebellious streak was unable to convince a judge to sentence him to less than 30 to 60 years in prison.

John Wayne Hinton, 62, of Somerset, asked for a sentence of 10 to 20 years, instead, but Somerset County prosecutors say Hinton deserved more time because he molested four children under age 7 and acknowledged similar acts since he was 13.

Somerset County Judge John Cascio agreed with prosecutors on Thursday in imposing the long sentence.

The judge noted that Hinton has not sought treatment despite a lifetime struggle with pedophilia and noted the children he molested were put in his care after he met their families in church.

He had previously pleaded guilty in February to molesting and photographing the girls.