Crime & Safety
Rape, Assault Charges Held Against Kerns at Preliminary Hearing
Former Montgomery County Republican Committee Chairman Robert Kerns is charged with the alleged rape and assault of a paralegal from his now-dissolved Upper Gwynedd law firm.
Written by Tony DiDomizio.
Former Montgomery County Republican Committee Chairman Robert Kerns heads to trial on rape, aggravated assault and additional charges after sitting Senior District Judge Susann E. Welsh of Chester County held all counts against Kerns after a 90-minute preliminary hearing in Blue Bell District Court Friday afternoon, per The Pottstown Mercury.
Welsh presided over the hearing, as District Judge Robert Sobeck recused himself from the hearing for unknown reasons.
Kerns' lawyer Brian McMonagle asked Welsh to dismiss most of the serious charges, but Welsh upheld them after a brief recess, per the report.
A formal arraignment in county court is set for Jan. 29. Kerns is free on 10 percent of $1 million bail.
Read the details of the investigation and accusations here.
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