By Patricia Breakey
DELHI _ A former substitute teacher's aide at Franklin Central School pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree rape, endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree attempted sexual abuse.
Robert R. Becker Jr., 36, of Franklin, agreed to a plea deal Monday in which he will be sentenced to one year in jail, 10 years of probation and registration as a sex offender. His trial was scheduled to begin 9 a.m. today.
As part of the plea deal, Becker, a former Delaware County corrections officer, will appear in county court Thursday to plead guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.
Becker was arraigned in September on two indictments charging him with having sex with students and attempting sexual contact with other students.
Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup said there are five victims.
John Hubbard, assistant district attorney, said he had spoken with the victims and their parents, and they were in agreement with the plea deal.
"I can't say they are pleased," Hubbard said. "But no agreement is perfect."
Judge Donald Cerio said Becker's deal is contingent on his pleading guilty Thursday.
During the plea allocution, Becker briefly described what occurred with three of the victims.
Cerio said the third-degree rape charged stemmed from an incident in late fall 2007 in Franklin involving sexual intercourse with a child younger than 17.
Becker said the incident happened at a school dance.
"She presented herself to me," Becker said. "She came on to me. I should have known better."
As Becker spoke, a girl could be heard crying in the courtroom.
Cerio said the endangering the welfare of a child occurred in late March or early April.
Becker said he was substituting in the in-school suspension room when he was approached by one of the victims.
"She came to me in school and tried to kiss me," Becker said. "I returned it."
Cerio said the attempted sexual abuse charge occurred in late May and involved a child younger than 14.
Becker said he couldn't remember where the incident occurred, but said he had conversations with the girl and put his hand on her stomach in an attempt to touch her breast.
Cerio scheduled Becker's sentencing for March 2.
Becker is free on $15,000 bail or $30,000 bond.
During the court appearance, some of Becker's victims, their family members and a Franklin Central School official were in the courtroom.
Becker was arraigned Sept. 15 on three counts of third-degree rape; one count of third-degree criminal sexual act; four counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and one count of second-degree attempted sexual abuse.
On Sept. 27, he was arraigned on felony charges of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor charges of second-degree unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child.
At his initial arraignment, Becker's assigned attorney, Larisa Obolensky, said he lost his job at the jail when he was arrested. She said he had also worked as a licensed electrician and plumber. Northrup said Becker's resignation from the jail was due to misconduct unrelated to the charges he faces.
Franklin Central School Superintendent Gordon Daniels said previously that Becker was a substitute teacher's aide who had worked five or six times at the school within the last year. He was also a volunteer assistant junior varsity boys basketball coach for the last two seasons, Daniels said. Becker has not worked for the school since classes began this academic year, Daniels said.
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Patricia Breakey can be reached at 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.
