By Sara Gregory
Salisbury Post
A Salisbury man pleaded guilty Tuesday to taking indecent liberties with a child.
Joel Barthew Hiatt, 70, must register as a sex offender and will serve 30 months probation.
Hiatt’s lawyer said the longtime resident was remorseful.
“Mr. Hiatt takes responsibility,” attorney James Davis said.
“He’s embarrassed he’s here.”
The victim was a family friend who knew Hiatt and his wife through church. Assistant District Attorney Michael Van Buren said the girl thought of the two as grandparents.
Van Buren did not identify the church.
Resident Superior Court Judge John Holshouser sentenced Hiatt to probation and ordered him to have no contact with the victim or her family.
Hiatt also must complete 30 hours of community service and pay a $750 fine and court costs.
Contact Sara Gregory at 704-797-4257 or sgregory@salisburypost.com.