A former youth pastor has been sentenced on child sex charges in Mercer County.
30-year-old Mark Heotzler was sentenced this month to a combined sentence of 7 years 6 months to 15 years in state prison followed by 14 years of probation.
He was sentenced on child pornography-related and sexual assault charges involving 10 victims, all younger than 18.
It was reported that he was active across various locations in Jefferson Township from 2015 to 2021.
The investigation of Heotzler started in January of 2021, where it was uncovered that engaged in sexual activity with the victims, sent and requested explicit pictures as well, accumulating a total of 53 charges which he admitted to many of them.
Heotzler worked at Grace Chapel Church in Hermitage as a youth minister from May 2014 to April 2019.
Be sure to listen live and follow KDKA NewsRadio on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates. You can download the Audacy App here.
