Warren County judge sentences Brackenridge man for molesting young girl

A Warren County judge sentenced a Brackenridge man Friday to three months to 2 years in jail for molesting a girl when she was 8 or 9 years old.

John Patrick Godfrey, 39, of Brackenridge, pleaded guilty Sept. 11 to indecent assault. That charge is a misdemeanor. On that same day, a number of other charges, including felonies, were withdrawn or dismissed, according to online court records.

The incidents occurred from Jan. 1, 2011, to Jan. 1, 2013, state police said in a news release.

According to police, the victim told her mother that Godfrey fondled her when she was 8 or 9. Police said Godfrey told the girl not to tell anyone.

The story came out when the victim's mother found “disturbing” text message exchanges between Godfrey and her daughter on a phone, police said.

A Warren County judge said Godfrey could be transferred to the Westmoreland County jail. Godfrey must complete sex offender's counseling and, after serving his sentence, complete 100 hours of community service.

Godfrey is forbidden to make contact with the victim or go to her residence.

He is eligible for work release and early re-entry.

Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4691, mthomas@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MaThomas_Trib.