Pocono News Section

Hughesville Couple Found Guilty in Child Porn Case

Hughesville Couple Found Guilty in Child Porn Case - Friday, May 7, 2010 at 04:07AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday May 07 2010

WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY- Friday was Greg and Amber Barto's wedding anniversary. It could be the last one they spend together for quite a while. A jury found the couple guilty of seducing underage girls with drugs, then videotaping themselves having sex with the victims.

Greg Barto had no comment as he was led out of the Lycoming County courthouse in handcuffs. A jury took just 30 minutes to convict Barto on dozens of charges including: rape, assault, sexual abuse of children, corruption of minors, drug possession and more.

Lycoming County Assistant District Attorney Mary Kilgus said, "I'm gratified that the jury saw it our way that both the defendants are predators and that, to protect the children in the community, we needed to put them away. And I'm just happy that we get to do that."

Five female victims tearfully testified to being terrorized by Barto on separate occasions. Two of the girls were employed at Barto's Tire and Auto Shop near Hughesville at the time of the incidents. Defense attorneys questioned the credibility of each of the witnesses throughout the trial.

Greg Barto's attorney, Mark Zearfaus, explained, "I felt that the jury judged the Bartos for the lifestyle they lived more than the evidence that was presented as compared to the law."

The Bartos opted not to take the stand in their own defense. Amber Barto was found guilty of sexual abuse of children, corruption of minors, and drug possession. Her attorney, George Lepley, questioned the quick verdict.

Lepley said, "I really don't think that the jury did their duty to come back that quickly. I think responsibility dictated that they think about that a little bit more."

After the verdict was read, Greg Barto's bail was revoked and he was immediately taken to prison. Amber Barto was allowed to remain free on bail to tend to family issues. Both will be sentenced at a later date. Their lawyers tell us they will be filing appeals.