Skip to content
NOWCAST NewsCenter 5 at 11
Watch on Demand
Advertisement

Suspect in Cape Cod camp child abuse case withdraws plea

Richard P. Smith accused in incidents at Camp Good News

Advertisement
Suspect in Cape Cod camp child abuse case withdraws plea
Richard P. Smith accused in incidents at Camp Good News
A Pennsylvania man charged with sexually abusing three boys at a Christian summer camp on Cape Cod has withdrawn his guilty plea and now faces trial.The Cape Cod Times reports that 67-year-old Richard P. Smith withdrew his plea Wednesday during a sentencing hearing after the judge refused to accept a plea deal worked out with prosecutors that would have spared Smith additional time behind bars. Smith has already spent 2 ½ years in jail awaiting trial.Judge Gary Nickerson, concerned that Smith remains a danger to children, wanted additional jail time.Smith's lawyer says her client is a low risk to re-offend.The alleged abuse occurred in 1981 when Smith was a counselor at Camp Good News in Sandwich.Smith, of Media, Pennsylvania, faces indecent assault charges.

A Pennsylvania man charged with sexually abusing three boys at a Christian summer camp on Cape Cod has withdrawn his guilty plea and now faces trial.

The Cape Cod Times reports that 67-year-old Richard P. Smith withdrew his plea Wednesday during a sentencing hearing after the judge refused to accept a plea deal worked out with prosecutors that would have spared Smith additional time behind bars. Smith has already spent 2 ½ years in jail awaiting trial.

Judge Gary Nickerson, concerned that Smith remains a danger to children, wanted additional jail time.

Smith's lawyer says her client is a low risk to re-offend.

The alleged abuse occurred in 1981 when Smith was a counselor at Camp Good News in Sandwich.

Smith, of Media, Pennsylvania, faces indecent assault charges.

Advertisement