OfficerBlueSpartansburg, PA – Spartansburg’s fire chief was just elected to his second term, despite his conviction for sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl.
In 2001, Roger Gilbert Jr., now 43, was convicted of having sexual intercourse with a 4-year-old girl.
Gilbert was sentenced to five to 10 years in prison, according to The Corry Journal. The convicted felon is currently registered as a tier 3 sex offender in the state’s Megan’s Law database.
He has been an unpaid volunteer firefighter with the fire department since 2010, despite his criminal history.
Mayor Ann Louise Wagner says that despite Gilbert’s past, she supports having a fire chief who previously raped a 4 year old.
“I support the fire department and their decision to have him as chief,” Wagner told The Corry Journal. “The firemen have always elected their own officers and that’s how it’s always been done. We don’t question their decisions.”
Gilbert spoke to the Journal and told them that having sex with a preschooler was a “mistake” and he’s moved past it.
“That was 20 years ago,” Gilbert said. “You know, the story you are telling kids is once you make [a] mistake, you will be punished for the rest of your life. I’ve changed my life for the better. Every day I get up and try to do good.”
KDKA reports that the state police said that there are no laws that prevent child rapists from serving in locally elected positions.
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