Kerns deemed sexually violent predator for life

Robert J. Kerns, the former Montgomery County GOP chairman who resigned in 2013 amid rape allegations, agreed Friday to be classified as a sexually violent predator.

Kerns, 67, of North Wales, pleaded no contest in November to indecent assault on a former employee of his law firm. In an expedited sentencing, he received two years' probation and had to register as a sex offender for 15 years.

Friday's ruling elevates his offender status. As a sexually violent predator, he will have to remain registered and receive monthly counseling for the rest of his life. He will also have to check in quarterly, instead of annually, to verify his address, vehicles, occupation, and other identifying information.

The designation was recommended by the Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, a state panel of psychological experts who evaluate whether the offense was "due to a mental abnormality or personality disorder," and whether the defendant is likely to re-offend, according to the board's website.

Kerns agreed not to dispute the board's analysis, and a Montgomery County Court judge Friday approved the designation. His attorney could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.

Deputy Attorney General Daniel Dye, who prosecuted the case, said the victim - an employee at Kerns' former law firm who alleged he had sex with her when she was drunk and unconscious - is satisfied with both the sentence and the sexually violent designation.

"This gets a measure of justice and quickly resolves this matter for the family," he said. "She's pleased with the outcome today."