A former Falls Township youth sports official was sentenced earlier this week 18 to 40 years in state lockup for the rape of a minor.
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevitownNow.com
Keith Peschen, 38, was declared a sexually violent predator as part of the Pennsylvania’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, also known as Megan’s Law. Peschen previously plead guilty before County Judge Wallace Bateman in Doylestown.
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As part of the sentencing, Peschen will serve 10 years probation following his release from jail. Assistant District Attorney Michelle Laucella said Prechen’s sexually violent predator status will assure he has state oversight for the rest of his life. She also said neighbors would be made aware of his status once his finds housing following his release.
Laucella said the victim, now 18-years-old, and members of her close family spoke at the sentencing. The young woman showed courage by looking Prechen directly in the eyes when speaking, the assistant district attorney said.
Peschen spoke at the sentencing and apologized to the victim.
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The girl was a cheerleader for the Levittown Lions. Peschen was a coach at the organization before becoming president, police said.
Peschen raped the girl at least twice when she slept over following times the girl would come over to either play with his kids or babysit while Peschen and his wife would go out. The 37-year-old would also give the girl rides and often have her perform sex acts on him in local parking lots, according to court documents.
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County detectives were able to record a conversation Peschen had in late October when the girl called to confront him about the rapes, police said. On calls Peschen apologized and admitted to raping the girl, court papers say.
In speaking with detectives, Peschen admitted to raping the girl one night when she stayed over.
According to court documents, the girl said Peschen helped fill the void of her absent father and they would often talk. The talks progressed to text messages asking if the girl needed rides or had boyfriends at school, police said.
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The girl first reported the childhood rapes last summer after her boyfriend urged her to.
Laucella told LevittownNow.com that the victim has come to terms with what happened to her and is “doing well.”
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“She said she would rather be known as a survivor than a victim.”
