Shawn Arndt, former local dirt track racer, sentenced for sex abuse
Shawn Arndt, former local dirt track racer, sentenced for sex abuse
Daily Record/Sunday News
Former local dirt track racer Shawn Arndt was sentenced to seven to 14 years in state prison Friay and found to be a sexually violent predator for repeatedly molesting a teenage boy.
"I'm very satisfied with the sentence and pleased the judge found him to be a sexually violent predator," deputy attorney general Jonelle Eshbach said.
Arndt, 37, formerly of the 1300 block of Saddleback Road in West Manchester Township, was convicted in August of eight felonies including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and unlawful contact with a minor. He has been in York County Prison since that conviction.
According to statements in court Friday, Arndt molested the boy on a weekly basis over an 18-month period beginning in October 2007.
The victim's mother told Judge Michael E. Bortner, who presided at trial, that Arndt's actions left her son with permanent emotional damage and scarred him forever.
"These were supposed to be the best years of his life," she said.
The teen's grandmother spoke tearfully and quietly to the judge. When she returned to her seat in the gallery, she hugged the woman next to her and cried, "I hate him."
Testifying in his own defense at trial, Arndt had maintained his innocence and contended police intimidated him into writing a confession.
That statement included the sentence, "I'm truly sorry for what I did. I hope that God can forgive me."
Two psychologists testified at Friday's hearing, one for the commonwealth and one for the defense.
They agreed in much of their findings, including that Arndt was predatory and in need of counseling. They disagreed on whether he was a sexually violent predator.
After hearing from both experts and reviewing their reports, Bortner determined that Arndt is a sexually violent predator "under the law."
Arndt now must register with the Pennsylvania State Police for the remainder of his life after he is released from custody.
Arndt has 30 days to appeal his conviction and sentence to the state Superior Court.
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