Pennsylvania

Ex-Officer, Pennsylvania School Greeter Admits to Sex Assault of Young Girl

A former Pennsylvania police officer and junior high school greeter has admitted he sexually assaulted a young girl.

Gerald Cookus of Wilkes-Barre pleaded guilty on Monday to indecent assault of a person under 13.

Prosecutors say the 78-year-old faces up to seven years behind bars at his February sentencing. He will have to register as a sex offender.

Cookus and his attorney declined to comment.

Cookus had been arrested in April after police said he inappropriately touched an 8-year-old girl at his home.

The Associated Press doesn't generally identify sexual assault victims.

Cookus has served as a Wilkes-Barre police officer. He most recently worked at Leo E. Solomon-Plains Memorial Junior High School.

Copyright The Associated Press
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