A former youth pastor pleaded no contest Monday to charges he inappropriately touched teenage girls in Luzerne County.
Brian Neiswender was accused of inappropriately touching teenage girls while working at the Christ Community Church in Kingston. At a hearing in August, three of his alleged victims testified that between 2004 and 2006, Neiswender touched them inappropriately during youth group meetings and private music lessons.
On Monday, Neiswender was scheduled to stand trial in Luzerne County. Instead, he pleaded no contest.
"We have seven young ladies who were scheduled to testify here today," said Capt. John Jorda of the Kingston Police. "It's a load off their shoulders."
Luzerne County Assistant D.A. Nancy Violi echoed that sentiment.
"We're hoping for that they're able to put this all behind them and just be able to move on with their life and not have it affect them any more than it already has," said Violi.
The no contest plea means Neiswender does not admit to the charges of indecent assault and corruption of minors, but he also does not deny them. Neiswender is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20.
Brian Neiswender was accused of inappropriately touching teenage girls while working at the Christ Community Church in Kingston. At a hearing in August, three of his alleged victims testified that between 2004 and 2006, Neiswender touched them inappropriately during youth group meetings and private music lessons.
On Monday, Neiswender was scheduled to stand trial in Luzerne County. Instead, he pleaded no contest.
"We have seven young ladies who were scheduled to testify here today," said Capt. John Jorda of the Kingston Police. "It's a load off their shoulders."
Luzerne County Assistant D.A. Nancy Violi echoed that sentiment.
"We're hoping for that they're able to put this all behind them and just be able to move on with their life and not have it affect them any more than it already has," said Violi.
The no contest plea means Neiswender does not admit to the charges of indecent assault and corruption of minors, but he also does not deny them. Neiswender is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20.
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