JUDGE PLEADS NO CONTEST TO FONDLING

Mark Pazuhanich, a 47 year old Monroe County District Attorney, had his parental rights suspended until further notice after being accused of fondling a 10 year old girl at a teen pop concert. Family Court Judge James Farber issued an emergency order preventing Pazuhanich from having telephone, written or physical contact with his daughter, who lives in New Jersey with her mother.

Police in early December 2003, said he groped a girl while the two were sitting in adjoining seats at a November 29 Hilary Duff concert in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. He surrendered and faces two counts of indecent assault, one count of corrupting the morals of a minor, public drunkenness and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Pazuhanich pleaded no contest yesterday, the day his trial was to begin.  He was sentenced to 10 years probation and must register as a sex offender.  

(Pennsylvania)