The former director of literacy for the Valley View School District was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation for trying to set up a sexual encounter with a purported minor he met online.
Christopher W. Mazzino, 59, of Springbrook Twp., previously pleaded guilty to attempted dissemination of sexual material to a minor for attempting to meet up with a 15-year-old boy for sex in 2021.
In fact, Mazzino encountered Musa Harris, the Luzerne County Predator Catcher.
In court Thursday, Mazzino apologized for his conduct and said he is grateful for the support he has received from family and friends.
“I cannot say more than I am sorry for what I’ve done — truly sorry,” Mazzino said.
Assistant District Attorney Brian Coleman did not object to a probationary sentence and left the penalty to the discretion of the court.
Mazzino’s attorney, Curt M. Parkins, described Mazzino as a respectful and thoughtful person who is at low risk for re-offending.
“I think this is someone you’re never going to see again,” Parkins said, describing Mazzino’s conduct as a “blip.”
“It’s a pretty serious ‘blip’,” Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough interjected.
However, the judge noted that it did appear Mazzino had lived an “exemplary life” prior to his arrest in 2021, and that he had had no problems since.
“I think you learned your lesson in a serious way,” the judge said.
Vough imposed a sentence of three years of probation and ordered Mazzino to pay $100 in restitution to the Kingston Police Department.
The judge said he did not oppose supervision of Mazzino’s probation being transferred to Lackawanna County, where he resides.