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April 23, 2005
Ex-counselor gets probation for abuse
A former religious youth counselor from Marlton was sentenced Friday to five years of probation after admitting he had had criminal sexual contact with teenage boys.
The sentence for John Andrew Baldino Jr., 34, was part of a plea agreement. Baldino pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of harassment by touching.
Superior Court Judge Thomas Smith on Friday also ordered Baldino to undergo further counseling and pay court costs and his victims' counseling fees.
Baldino also must adhere to the conditions of Megan's Law, which mandates convicted sexual offenders notify law enforcement of where they live.
Before his arrest last year, Baldino was the paid area director for the Young Life South Jersey Christian Youth Organization, based in Mercer County.
Prosecutor Kevin Morgan said Baldino's crimes did not progress into more serious charges because of the courage of the victims, whom he called the "best of the best of our young adults."
Baldino, fighting back tears at times during the sentencing, had no previous criminal record.
Asked if he'd like to comment, Baldino said he was being counseled on abuse he suffered as a child and expressed "sincere apologies and regret for anything that went on."
Two parents of the victims addressed Baldino before sentencing.
"What you did, John, was an evil betrayal," said one parent, whose name is being withheld to protect the victim's identity. "I pray that God convicts you in your innermost places."
Smith said he was skeptical about the plea bargain, in which Baldino waived his right to an appeal, but agreed to it on practical terms.
"This is one of those matters where I'm holding my nose and sentencing you. Understand?" Smith said.
Posted by Nealus at April 23, 2005 07:52 PM
