Douglas M. Zeager, of 28 Sten Drive, pleaded guilty before Judge David L. Ashworth to one count each of indecent assault and corruption of minors.

Defense attorney Douglas Cody told Ashworth that Zeager was intoxicated at the time of the offenses, and he believes it was an isolated incident. Zeager is employed full time and holds two part-time jobs, Cody said.

"The defendant has one daughter and gets along really well with her," Cody said. "He has lived in Lancaster County all his life and has no prior criminal record."

Zeager told the judge he is trying to make the best of a bad situation.

"I accept responsibility for these charges," Zeager said. "I'm at a situation where I have to move on and be strong for my daughter. Like Mr. Cody said, you will not see me in here again."

Zeager entered an "open" or "straight" plea, meaning he had no deal in place with the district attorney's office.

After supplying the judge with victim-impact statements, Assistant District Attorney Todd Kriner asked him to impose all sex-offender conditions as mandated by Pennsylvania's Megan's Law and order Zeager to participate in drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment. Kriner also requested Zeager have no contact with the victims or their families.

Judge Ashworth complied.

"I'm directing copies (of the victim-impact statements) be provided to the defendant," Ashworth said. "I want you to see how your actions impacted these children, especially at this young age."

The girls, now 10 and 11, were in the courtroom and watched quietly as Zeager was sentenced.

Ashworth emphasized the no-alcohol provision and told Zeager that even one beer would constitute a violation of his probation and be enough to land him in state prison.

"I won't let you down, sir," Zeager told the judge.

"More importantly, don't let yourself down," Judge Ashworth said. "And don't let the community down, either."

Justin Quinn's e-mail address is jquinn@lnpnews.com