Methodist Minister Sentenced for Sexually Assaulting Two Boys

A retired Manheim Township minister apologized in court Wednesday as he was sentenced to 8 to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting two young boys.

"I am sorry for my actions and want to seek healing," Dennis E. Spangler told President Judge Joseph Madenspacher.

Spangler, 64, said he hoped, "with time and effort," he would someday again do God's work and "be able to make a positive difference in people's lives."

Earlier this month, Spangler pleaded guilty to charges of corruption of minors, indecent assault, indecent exposure and possessing two semi-nude photographs of one of his victims.

He also did not contest additional charges of indecent assault and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, agreeing that prosecutors could convince a jury of his guilt if the case went to trial.

Since then, Madenspacher said, a psychologist evaluated Spangler, concluding that he is a sexually violent predator.

Spangler, who retired from the United Methodist Church in 2007, surrendered his ministerial credentials after the charges were filed. He had been a full-time minister for 30 years and served at churches in Brownstown and Manheim Township.