WILKES-BARRE (PA)
Scranton Times
By Edward Lewis STAFF WRITER 05/19/2005
WILKES-BARRE -- A diocesan priest was sentenced to five years probation Wednesday after admitting to sexually assaulting a teenage boy while serving at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Duryea.
Albert M. Liberatore Jr., 41, Scranton, pleaded guilty to three counts each of indecent assault and corruption of minors, and one count each of endangering the welfare of children and furnishing alcohol to minors.
Prosecutors said no sentencing deal was made with Mr. Liberatore's lawyers, Joseph Cosgrove and Larry Moran.
First Assistant District Attorney Jacqueline Musto Carroll said sentencing was at the discretion of Luzerne County President Judge Michael Conahan and that criminal offenses did not meet the criteria of the state's Megan's Law.
District Attorney David W. Lupas said the victim, now 20, was satisfied with Mr. Liberatore's guilty plea.