KOMO
October 13, 2007
http://www.komotv.com/news/local/10513747.html
Tacoma - A pastor in Pierce County was sentenced Friday for molesting a 7-year-old girl. But before the sentence was handed down, the prosecutor told the judge there is probably another victim.
He said Pastor Stephen Kerr has admitted to also molesting a 2-year-old, but won't say who the victim is for fear he'll face more charges.
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"The state has extreme concerns in this case regarding the fact that there is another victim out there the defendant has not identified who is not getting counseling and treatment," the prosecutor said.
The Gig Harbor Church of the Nazarene was rocked last May when Kerr turned himself in. Investigators say he molested the 7 year-old while showing her child porn.
In court Friday, Kerr asked for forgiveness.
"They are most serious and destructive, bringing pain, ruin and infliction to those I love the most. Including the victims as well as my extending family and friends and those I served in my community... I am truly sorry."
His lawyer asked the court for treatment — what's called a sex offender sentencing alternative or SOSA. He also asked for a sentence of home monitoring at Kerr's father's house in Yakima.
But the Judge Katherine Stolz rejected the request.
"I'm not going to give him a SOSA," she said. "I don't think he's a candidate for it. I'm also mindful of the fact that I have the community to look after.'
Stolz sentenced Kerr to 11 1/2 years in prison.
The ruling was too much for Kerr's mother.
"If you would let him out, he could help so many people that have the same problem," she said.
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