A Luzerne County man has been sentenced to serve up to 111 years in state prison for traveling to Pike County to molest two children aged 5 and 10, according to prosecutors.
John Gately, 46, of Hughestown, was sentenced to 52½ years to 111 years in prison after being convicted on numerous child sex charges, including attempted rape of a child, attempted production of child sexual abuse materials and possession of child sexual abuse materials, Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin said.
During a three-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Gately had communicated with a woman about molesting the children. In the process, he sent 48 child sex images, prosecutors said.
Gately was arrested after traveling to Pike County to engage in sexual activities with the children. Investigators then discovered images on Gately’s cellphone depicting toddlers and infants being abused, according to prosecutors.
Pike County President Judge Gregory H. Chelak imposed the sentence of up to 111 years in prison, ordering Gately to pay a $31,000 fine as well.
“This sentence will enforce Gately will never be in a position to hunt a child,” Tonkin said in a statement. “We will continue to seek to root out each and every child predator that walks among us to arrest and prosecute them.”