Pocono News Section

Former Professor Sentenced for Sexual Assault

Former Professor Sentenced for Sexual Assault - Friday, January 23, 2009 at 5:40PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Jan 23, 2009 @ 05:40pm EST

BLOOMSBURG, COLUMBIA COUNTY -- Jack Harclerode has a history of sex crimes. The former Bucknell University professor was recently convicted for having child pornography on his home computer and faces charges for allegedly molesting a teenager in Union County. But Friday, he learned the consequence for groping a 10-year-old boy in Columbia County.

The 73-year-old Union County man admitted to fondling that boy at a park and was handed the maximum sentence for indecent assault -- 9 to 30 months behind bars.

"I think he needs to be kept away from little boys for the rest of his life. I truly believe that," said the victim's mother.

Harclerode was a family friend for years, making this case hit even closer to home.

"He was actually friends with my parents, and it's been hard on them," said the mother. "Emotionally, it's been a long two years."

The charges brought by this victim led police to searching Harclerode's home, where they found nearly 250 images of child pornography. And since then, a Union County teenager came forward, saying Harclerode molested him over a four-year period and paid him each time.

"His history of being a sexual predator came out through his daughter's testimony," said Columbia County District Attorney Gary Norton. "He's been committing these acts since the 1960s and he went through counseling in the mid-90s, and that didn't work."

The victim's family is pleased with the sentencing, and his parents are proud he's helping bring justice to others.

"We're going to put it behind us, forgive, and move on with our lives," said the victim's mother. "Our son is awesome."

Harclerode will soon be sentenced for the child pornography charges in Union County and will also head to court on charges he allegedly molested a teenager for four years.