Fmr. Montco GOP chief Robert Kerns pleads no contest

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- The former head of the Montgomery County Republican Party entered a no contest plea Monday to sex-related charges.

After pleading no contest to indecent assault, 66-year-old Robert Kerns said nothing as he left court.

He was sentenced to 2 years' probation and must register as a sex offender for 15 years

Deputy Attorney General Daniel Dye said the victim, a female paralegal who worked at Kerns' law firm, was satisfied with the resolution.

"She was someone who came in here today and hoped he would be aired out," said Dye. "And again, in the world we live in, many individuals who perpetrate never are seen for who they truly are. But he is seen as exactly who he is."

"Mr. Kerns' decision today to end this with a no contest plea is just a recognition that he didn't want put two good families thru a contentious trial," said Kerns' attorney, Brian McMonagle.

The victim read an impact statement inside the courtroom. Fighting back tears, she told the judge she was "living a nightmare" and suffered from panic attacks and depression since the assault.

"This is someone who trusted the defendant," said Dye, "someone who absolutely felt he would never do something like this."

The assault happened October 25, 2013. Investigators say Kerns assaulted the woman in his car and at her home.

The victim believed she'd been drugged, and Montgomery County authorities initially believed the same.

But Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman had to drop the case after her office misread lab reports.

The state took the case over, ending with today's plea.

"There is no difference under the law between a no contest plea and a guilty plea," said Dye. "In other words, a guilty plea is 'I did it.' A no contest plea is, 'You got me.'"

In a statement to reporters, the victim said "I want to encourage others who experience sexual assault to take the difficult step to come forward. I will not say that this has been an easy road, but I do believe it is one that promotes healing and brings power back to you."