Latrobe man called danger to community sentenced to 3-year prison term

A Westmoreland County judge said he had no choice this week but to impose a three-year maximum prison sentence for a Latrobe man who pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of a teenage girl.

Common Pleas Court Judge Tim Krieger ordered Cristofer R. Dowden, 25, to serve at least 18 months behind bars for repeated contacts with children in violation of previous of probation and parole sentences. Those sentences were related to two cases in which he was accused of having sexual contract with children.

“There is clearly a danger to the community and to young girls. State prison, I think this is for your own good, whether you know it or not,” Krieger said.

Dowden pleaded guilty in connection with allegations that he had improper sexual contact in 2020 with a 14-year-old girl. He was initially sentenced last year to serve one year, less a day, to two years less a day, in the county jail, paroled and ordered to serve an additional three years on probation.

As a condition of his release, he was barred from use of the internet, from contacting minors and ordered to complete sex offender treatment.

Officials said Dowden violated terms of his release.

County probation officer Justin Schneider testified a random search of Dowden’s cell phone last December found evidence of text messages sent to children, including efforts to conceal his conversations with teenage girls.

“He said he was sorry and that has a problem of speaking to minors,” Schneider said. “I have real concerns if Mr. Dowden remains in the community.”

Defense attorney Jay Kober argued Dowden was better served remaining free on probation, working and undergoing treatment outside of confinement.

According to court records, at the time of Dowden’s arrest in 2020, he was on probation for a prior incident in 2017 involving a minor. In that case, Dowden pleaded guilty to illicit contact with a minor and was sentenced to serve 23 months on house arrest.

Prosecutors said the county jail, which does not provide sex offender treatment to inmates, was not an option for Dowden after the judge revoked his probation and parole on his most recent conviction.

“He was given multiple opportunities to comply with societal norms but Mr. Dowden does not have the tools to do that. He is a direct threat to the safety of young people in our community. We know this,” said Assistant District Attorney Leo Ciaramitaro.