Monessen man gets 6-20 years for child sex assault

A Monessen man will serve up to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy.

Michael Christofel, 39, pleaded guilty Friday to charges he had multiple incidents of sexual contact with the boy in October and November 2018 in Monessen.

According to court records, the victim’s mother notified police about the alleged sexual assault. A surveillance camera recorded video of one of the incidents, police said.

In court on Friday, Christofel pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, possession of child pornography, indecent assault, simple assault and corruption of a minor.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani sentenced Christofel to serve 6 to 20 years in prison.

Christofel previously rejected a plea bargain deal from county prosecutors that called for him to serve at least eight years in prison.

Assistant District Attorney Kelly Hammers said the victim and his family initially wanted a longer sentence for Christofel but agreed to support the shorter penalty to ensure the boy did not have to testify in court.

“They want to do what’s best for the victim who doesn’t want to testify,” Hammers said. “His biggest concern is why was he chosen as a victim.”

Christofel offered a short apology to his victim when prompted by the judge.

“I hope seeing the expression on this young man’s face speaks volumes to the consequences of your actions,” Feliciani said.