CASE UPDATE: Former Weissport Chief of Police Sentenced To 16-32 Years In Prison for Rape of a Child

July 18, 2022 | Topic: Criminal

HARRISBURG–Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that former Weissport Chief of Police Brent Getz, of Lehighton, Pa., was sentenced to Brent Getz was sentenced today to 16-32 years in prison followed by three years consecutive probation for the repeated rape of a child and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life under SORNA.

“This sentencing ensures that Getz is held accountable for his horrific actions and that his victim receives long-awaited justice,” said AG Shapiro. “My office is committed to protecting and standing up for children across the Commonwealth. Getz and other bad actors like him who abuse their positions of authority will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

In March 2019, Getz was convicted of Rape of Child, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child, Aggravated Indecent Assault of Child, and several other related charges following a jury trial.

Getz’s co-defendant, Gregory Wagner, pled guilty to the charges of Rape of Child and Sexual Exploitation of Children on November 16, 2020, and cooperated in the prosecution of Getz. In April 2022, Wagner was sentenced to a term of 10-20 years in prison followed by probation. He will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life under SORNA.

Concerned citizens are encouraged to report child abuse to the Pennsylvania ChildLine by calling 1-800-932-0313. They can also report a tip through the Safe2Say app, available on both the Android and Apple stores, or by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY (723-2729). The Office of Attorney General also has a Child Predator Hotline number for online sexual exploitation of children at 800-385-1044.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Elo prosecuted this case.

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