Tamaqua man admits indecent sexual contact with a young boy

A Tamaqua man pleaded guilty in Carbon County court on Thursday, admitting to having indecent sexual contact with a young boy.

Ricky Lee Propst, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II. In a plea bargain other, more serious charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, were dropped.

Propst was arrested by Lehighton police after they received information from the relative of a young boy who had told her of the incidents with Propst.

The boy told police that Propst made him perform a sexual act on him on at least two occasions in May 2007. The incidents were not reported until several months ago.

Propst denied making the victim, who was under 13-years-old at the time, perform the sex act on him but admitted he "touched" the boy inappropriately in private areas.

The charge falls under the provisions of Megan's Law. Nanovic deferrred sentencing ordering that Propst must be interviewed by the state's sexual evaluation board to determine if he is a sexual predator.

If he is found to be a sexual predator he will have to register with the state police for life. If not, then the registration is for 10 years.