Unity man in molestation case gets 17 years of probation

A Unity man was ordered to serve 17 years on probation for having improper sexual contact with two young girls he met at his church more than a decade ago.

Carl E. McManamy II, 58, of Rolling Acres Road pleaded guilty in August to misdemeanor counts of indecent assault, corruption of minors and other related offenses in connection with his relationship with two sisters dating back to 1997.

The sentence imposed Tuesday by Westmoreland County Judge Debra A. Pezze also included a requirement that McManamy serve one year on house arrest.

According to court records, McManamy was friends with the parents of his victims, showered the children with gifts and then engaged in the sexual contact. The girls were between the ages of 9 and 12 at the time, Assistant District Attorney Judy Petrush said.

Police said the victims came forward with the allegations against McManamy in March, and a month later their parents said they were told by church elders that McManamy had confessed to them about the molestations. Prosecutors did not release the name of the church.

The sentence was part of a negotiated plea bargain approved last summer as a means to dispose of the case without the victims having to testify at trial, Petrush said.