Schuylkill man admits to sexual assault of young girl

A Schuylkill County man admitted in Carbon County court on Monday to sexually assaulting a then 7-year-old girl, and is facing a long state prison term at the time of sentencing.

Curtis Matthew Berger, 26, of Shenandoah, pleaded to one count each of aggravated indecent assault of a child and indecent assault. The first count is a felony offense.

Judge Joseph J. Matika told Berger, under sentencing guidelines, he faces a minimum prison term of between four and eight years and up to 20 years on the aggravated assault count.

State police at Hazleton charged that Berger had sexual contact with the victim at a residence in Banks Township in July. The police report indicated that Berger had a relationship with the mother of the victim at the time of the assault.

Berger, currently an inmate in the county prison on the charges, said little during the proceeding except to answer questions concerning his rights posed by Matika.

Matika deferred sentencing, saying the charges fall under the provisions of Megan’s Law. Berger will be evaluated by the state sexual offenders assessment board to determine if he is a violent sexual offender. If it’s determined he is, then he must register for life as a sexual offender.

Matika also ordered the adult probation office to prepare a presentence investigation report. Sentencing should occur in January 2019.