Courtroom gavel

A deal has been reached between the Lycoming County District Attorney’s office and Michael Morrone, defense attorney for Joshua Geiger, of Montgomery, that will see Geiger avoid trial on alleged child sex crimes, according to a sentencing order from Lycoming County Judge William Carlucci.

Geiger was arrested in December 2023, after allegations were made that he had inappropriately touched a now 13-year-old three years prior.

At the preliminary hearing, the alleged victim testified that following a night of partying, a “heavily intoxicated” Geiger was laying in his bed when she entered his room to give him a hug.

During the embrace, Geiger put his hands down her clothing.

The alleged victim froze briefly before removing Geiger’s hand and leaving the room, she testified.

Geiger had never engaged in that type of conduct before or after that night, and did not attempt to stop her from leaving, she said.

Under cross examination by Morrone, the alleged victim stated that she did not see Geiger’s eyes open at any point, and did not believe that Geiger had touched her on purpose, believing that Geiger believed her to be his fiancé.

“This is an unfortunate event, not a crime,” Morrone told District Judge Kirsten Garden.

But Assistant District Attorney Eric Birth countered that the touching did not progress because the alleged victim stopped it and removed herself from the situation.

“This was the start of something nefarious,” he said.

Birth also argued that the physical differences between a then 9-year-old and a full grown woman would’ve made it apparent to Geiger that it was in fact, not his fiancé who he was groping.

“This is a case that needs to be decided by a jury, not during preliminary proceedings,” Gardner said at the time, ordering Geiger to stand trial.

The deal reached with prosecutors will see unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors charges withdrawn, and Geiger made eligible for accelerated rehabilitative disposition, commonly known as ARD for two counts of disorderly conduct, the order said.

Geiger will be placed on probation for 24 months, and ordered to pay the cost of prosecution, a $125 administrative fee, a $200 District Attorney reimbursement fee and the costs of supervision.

Geiger must also undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow all recommended treatment and counseling options. He will be placed on an alcohol monitor for at least 90 days, the order dictated.

As a condition of his probation, Geiger must refrain from using any controlled substances or alcohol and is ordered to perform 75 hours of community service.

Should Geiger breach the agreement, the commonwealth reserves the right to refile the charges, the order said.