Salem man pleads guilty to multiple sex abuse charges

A Salem man, arrested on multiple sex abuse charges in January, pleaded guilty Tuesday morning before Judge Donald Abar.

Klain Pippert, 25, was convicted of one count of sexual abuse, two counts of sodomy, and one count of luring a minor after he met a 14-year-old girl via an online dating app. According to court documents, the abuse took place between June 1 and December 1 of 2014.

Pippert was sentenced to one year and one month in prison followed by three years and 11 months of post-prison supervision at the hearing on Tuesday.

According to Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gardiner, Pippert turned himself into the police in January after confessing the actions to a bishop from his church. An investigation had not been opened prior to the confession.

After Pippert's plea, the victim's aunt approached the bench to say a few words.

"I would like the young man to know that I'm happy he came forward," she said. "I'm thankful for your courage, and I'm sorry that this happened but I hope you find healing for yourself and some way to make the world better for others."

Pippert expressed remorse, apologizing to the court and to the victim's family for his actions.

"I'm ready to pay the consequences for this," Pippert said. "And I'm going to seek ways to turn my life around. I'm truly sorry. I truly want to change."

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