Georgia man admits to corruption of minor charge
A Georgia man pleaded guilty in Carbon County court on Thursday to a corruption of a minor charge filed by Palmerton police involving a young girl as the victim.
Joseph J. Kulp Jr., 70, of Griffin, entered the plea before President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II.
Palmerton police charged Kulp on March 24, 2017, after they received a report that the victim’s mother observed Kulp on top of her daughter, then 12 years old, on a bed in an upstairs bedroom. Kulp’s pants were down and the girl’s skirt was pulled up, the police report indicated. The report also indicated Kulp performed oral sex on the girl, but he denied that claim.
Kulp admitted to inappropriate contact with the girl.
Nanovic told Kulp that under state sentencing guidelines he faces a minimum jail term of between three and 12 months.
Nanovic deferred sentencing because the charge falls under the provisions of Megan’s Law. Kulp will have to be evaluated by the state sexual offenders assessment board, which will determine if he is a violent sexual offender. If he is, he will have to register for life as a sexual offender. If not, the registration period will be 15 or 25 years. Nanovic also ordered the adult probation prepare a presentence investigation report.
After accepting the plea, defense attorney Michael J. Donohue, asked Nanovic to revoke Kulp’s $150,000 unsecured bail and set it at $150,000 straight and remand him to the county prison. Nanovic so ordered. Donohue indicated that by being incarcerated on the charge Kulp will begin getting credit for time served while he awaits sentencing in the matter.
