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Ex-guard must register with PSP

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The former Blair County Prison guard serving three years’ probation on indecent assault and false imprisonment convictions has been ordered to regularly register his address and related information with state police for the next 15 years.

Judge Wade Kagarise recently advised Paul David Keefer, 48, Altoona, of his obligation based on the convictions classifying him as a Tier 1 offender under Megan’s Law, which created the state’s sex offender registry. In October at the end of a two-day trial, a jury found Keefer guilty of both charges that were filed after a female co-worker said he made unwanted sexual advances toward her in 2015. The woman, a licensed practical nurse, said Keefer invited her into a room at the prison where he touched her inappropriately, kissed her and prevented her from leaving.

While state appellate courts have found portions of Megan’s Law to be unconstitutional, Keefer remains obligated to follow address and related registration requirements, Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio told Kagarise.

Keefer also will be included with offenders on the Megan’s Law website, maintained by state police, Assistant District Attorney Derek Elensky said. Defense attorney Ted Krol said he intends to contest the legality of the registration requirements in post-trial motions he will file on Keefer’s behalf. It doesn’t seem to be appropriate in light of the appellate court rulings, Krol said.

Pennsylvania enacted Megan’s Law in 1995 after the sexual assault and murder of Megan Kanka in Hamilton, N.J., by a repeat child rapist. But the state’s sex offender registry includes offenders convicted of select offenses involving child as well as adult victims.

Appellate court rulings have found fault with portions of Megan’s Law and its updated versions, creating confusion as to its enforcement and if offenders can be prosecuted if they fail to register. State lawmakers have been working on efforts aimed at keeping the registry and enforcement intact.

Krol said he advised Keefer to follow the registration requirements in light of the judge’s order.

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