State College-area man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child heading to state prison

Jan. 13—BELLEFONTE — A Ferguson Township man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child was sentenced Thursday to at least a half decade in state prison.

Dennis Ney, 65, was sentenced by Centre County Judge Jonathan Grine to at least six years in state prison. His maximum prison sentence is 12 years. He received credit for about one year, 10 months already served.

His prison sentence is set to be followed by eight years of probation.

"Despite what happened, I feel good. ... I've worked hard to overcome many challenges," the child wrote in a statement that was read by her mother. "I am not scared of you anymore."

Ney pleaded guilty to one felony count each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, sexual assault and corruption of minors. He was accused of forcing the child to perform oral sex.

Felony charges of child rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child and indecent assault of someone younger than 13 were dropped.

Ney had no visible reaction when his sentence was handed down. He declined to make a statement.

"From the moment these allegations came forward, I believe my client has done the right thing," defense lawyer Steve Trialonas told Grine.

The child's mother described her daughter as someone who loves animals, reading, journaling and drawing. She's also an unabashed feminist who dreams of working to eliminate inequality and becoming the first female president.

Her role model is Martin Luther King Jr.

"She talks about snowladies, not snowmen. We can all learn a little something about feminism, equality and justice from (her)," the mother said. "Today, we are trying to get a little justice for (her), as best we can in a situation that seems to have little justice to offer."

She later added about her daughter: "She is bigger and braver than every single person in this room without question, and I would say that in every room in the world."

The sexual abuse, her father said, upended their lives. There were many sleepless nights, therapy appointments and unanswered questions.

He wondered aloud what his daughter's relationship with other men would be like for the rest of her life. And he questioned whether she'd be able to enjoy some of life's most memorable moments, like her first date.

He further expressed anger at Ney, saying he would never forgive him.

"You will not be mourned. You will not be redeemed," he said. "I simply hope that you are forgotten."

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