Reported by: Sean Dreher
Thursday, Jul 10, 2008 @05:05pm EST
EBENSBURG, CAMBRIA COUNTY --- A former substitute teacher and college instructor has been ordered to serve 17 to 34 years in prison.
Bruce Haskins of Johnstown walked silently out of the courtroom Thursday morning after being ordered to state prison for nearly two decades. The former web design instructor and substitute teacher is now considered a sexually violent predator, and must register under Megan’s Law.
“Because he was found to be a sexually violent predator, once he is out there will be notification and stricter requirements in terms of reporting, which is also comforting." Assistant District Attorney Tammy Bernstein said.
Herbert Hays of the PA Sexual Offenders Assessment Board was prepared to testify at the sentencing proceedings.
"The whole purpose of Megan's law is to get sexual predators off the streets and that was accomplished today in a very fair manner," he said.
As part of a plea entered in January, Haskins admitted to videotaping some of the abuse. He kept those videos on his personal computer.
"I think it shows a deficit in his thinking process, to want to have a visual record. I think it shows the depravity of this type of behavior," Hays said.
In the courtroom, Haskins apologized to the victim's family. He said he was tremendously sorry.
“I am full of remorse, I hope they can forgive me,” Haskinsa said.
His attorney called Haskins a tragedy of the cycle of abuse, since he too was sexually assaulted at a young age. State officials expect the length of the sentence to prevent Haskins from committing similar crimes in the future.
"He's 49. 17 years puts him at fairly advanced age as far as being released." Hays said.
Neither the victim nor family members addressed the court. Prosecutors are confident they will be pleased with the judge's decision.
"The last time I spoke to the victim's brother it was clear they wanted him to be held accountable. I feel the court held him accountable and held him accountable to each count he pled to," Bernstein said.
Haskins' attorney declined to comment on the sentence
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