Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — A New Jersey man who spent years in law enforcement will now be among those behind bars.
David De Jesus, a suspended New Jersey state trooper, was sentenced Friday to serve 60 days to 23-and-a-half months in the Centre County Prison for an incident that occurred at a State College hotel last year.
He previously pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and providing alcohol to a minor. The minor in this case was a 14-year-old girl.
On Friday morning, De Jesus was seen crying at times during his sentencing as family members lobbied a judge not to send him to jail, citing his life of service.
De Jesus joined the Army when he was 17, prior to his career with the state police.
In reality, De Jesus is going to jail because the 14-year-old reportedly took two sips of alcohol in his presence, and then was alone in a hotel room for several minutes with him.
Previously filed charges of inappropriate sexual contact were dropped in the case.
De Jesus apologized to everyone involved and said he takes full responsibility for his actions.
Even though he is only two years away from retirement with the state police, and a pension, that career may be over.
The sentencing judge told De Jesus, “you were in a position of trust and there has to be accountability for your actions, especially with a child involved.”
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