Lansford man sentenced to state prison for assault on young girl

A Lansford man was sentenced to a state prison term on Monday for sexually assaulting a then 11-year-old girl.

David R. Jones, 35, was sentenced by President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II to serve 29 months to 10 years in prison on a charge of aggravated sexual assault.

Jones was arrested by Lansford police for an incident that occurred in the borough over a period in 2008-2009. He was on trial for the charge when he decided to enter into a plea agreement in 2009.

Prior to the start of the sentencing proceeding Nanovic had scheduled a hearing on the commonwealth's motion to declare Jones a violent sexual predator. However, defense Atty. Gregory Lee Mousseau said his client did not wish to contest the motion.

Jones had been examined by the state sexual offenders board and was determined to be a violent sexual predator. What that means is that Jones must register for the rest of his life as a sexual predator. The registration is with state police. He must also follow all provisions of Megan's Law.

Mousseau said his client was remorseful for what he did but added that Jones did not wish to make a statement to the court or speak to the court prior to sentencing.

In addition to the jail term Nanovic ordered Jones to supply a DNA sample and pay the $250 fee; submit to a sexual offenders evaluation; have no contact with the victim or her family; and no unsupervised contact with anyone under 18 years of age.

Jones was given credit for 577 days spent in jail to date on the charges.