5 days ago
Hunlock Twp. man, 70, sentenced for online child solicitation
Jun. 27—WILKES-BARRE — An apology and a pledge to never do it again were not enough to keep a Hunlock Township man from being sentenced to state prison Friday for soliciting sex from a child.
Martin Donald Sorber, 70, was sentenced by Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas to 18 months to four years in state prison on charges of criminal attempt to commit statutory sexual assault, unlawful contact with a minor and resisting arrest. Sorber was also sentenced to four years probation and required to lifetime registration of his address under the state's Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Sorber pleaded guilty to the charges on April 1.
Sorber was arrested Sept. 20, 2024, in a joint investigation by Kingston Township police and Wyoming Area Regional Police in an online solicitation sting, according to court records.
Court records say Sorber replied to an online post by a law enforcement officer on Sept. 9, 2024.
During online conversations, Sorber expressed interest in having sexual relations with the girl, who was an undercover law enforcement officer, court records say.
When Sorber arrived at a location believing he was to meet the girl, court records say, he punched an officer in the face when arrested. Sorber was in possession of condoms and lubrication when arrested, court records say.
Before being sentenced, Sorber said, "I've never done anything like this before and I won't ever do it again...I'm sorry."
Lupas noted Sorber had no criminal record and received a number of letters in Sorber's favor, but said the offense was serious enough to warrant a state prison sentence.
