Ligonier man pleads guilty to sexual assault of teen
A Ligonier man was ordered Thursday to serve up to 10 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
Tyler Madison Smith, 26, pleaded guilty to four felony counts of statutory sexual assault and single charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and corruption of a minor in connection with his contact with the teen during a three-month period ending in late 2020.
Police said Smith had sex with the teen at least six times. According to court records, Smith confessed to the crimes.
Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio imposed the terms of a negotiated plea bargain that called for two counts of statutory sexual assault and one count of aggravated indecent assault to be dismissed. Smith’s trial was scheduled to begin in April.
The judge ordered Smith to serve a 5- to 10-year prison sentence and an additional five years on probation. Smith was given credit for 13 months he’s served in jail since his arrest on March 1, 2021.
“This sentence was within the standard sentencing range and was an appropriate resolution,” said District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli.
Smith did not speak during Thursday’s hearing.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
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