Former Williamsport Police Office Cpl. Eric B. Derr was spared prison time as Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor sentenced him Wednesday afternoon to 28 months of probation.

Following a three-day trial in August, Derr was convicted of 28 counts of unlawful use of a computer for exceeding his authority to use the state’s JNET system from 2015 to 2019.

The system is intended to be used by the police to collect data only as part of official investigations.

Derr was found not guilty of misdemeanor, unsworn falsification to authorities, falsifying public records and obstructing the administration of law from other incidents.

“I’ve waited a long time for this day, but I never thought I’d get the chance to tell you face to face in a courtroom.” one victim said during an impact statement her mother is with her for emotional support.

She recounted an incident during which she said Derr sat outside her mother’s workplace trying to intimidate her, pointing out the irony that Derr did so in a police car emblazoned with the words. “to serve and protect”.

She lamented that Derr had not expressed remorse for his actions.

“The jury did not accept your con-like behavior,” the victim told Derr, referring to him as a “predator all women should fear”.

The courtroom was packed with supporters for Derr.

A family friend with a long history in law enforcement said Derr never exhibited any of the signs of being a violent criminal that law enforcement officers are trained to hone.

“Derr gained my trust without knowing he was being tested” the friend said, emphasizing Derr’s devotion to his friends and family. “The impact of removing a pillar of a family like Eric cannot be measured.”

Referring to him as her best friend, Derr’s ex-wife and mother of his older children emphasized the need for children to have their father in their lives.

“How will this affect the children psychologically, in their school work? Please don’t send an incredible father to prison.” she pleaded.

A second family friend said Derr was like a father to her own children, stating that she was “Proud to call him part of my village.”

Support for Derr has not been limited to family and friends, as two former colleagues have taken the stand in his defense.

Officer Nick Carrita and Constable Ericka Heath, both of the city police, spoke glowingly and often emotionally about their interactions with Derr over the years, calling him a mentor both on and off the job, as well as a friend true.

Heath, who said he grew up “in awe” law enforcement, said her confidence in the system was “destroyed.”

“I have never seen law enforcement used as a weapon as viciously as I have in this case,” she said.

“If I wasn’t his lawyer, I’d be a witness to Eric’s character,” Defense attorney Robert Hoffa told the judge, reflecting on the testimony of numerous witnesses.

Deputy Attorney General Rebecca A. Elo countered that the Eric Derr heard from during today’s proceedings was very different from the one heard from at trial.

“It’s incredibly sad to hear these impressionable young officers take the stand in his defense,” Elo said calling Derr an “Absolute Russia for the uniform.”

“Not only those he used the system on victims, but also the Williamsport Police Department, who were subjected to extreme scrutiny and had their reputations damaged.” Elo said. “Actions like this are completely unacceptable when we entrust individuals with so much power.”

“I’m not trying to minimize what Mr. Derr did,” Saylor said, noting that a jury found that he breached his duty by using the computer system as he did.

But he had to weigh several things in shaping his sentence, Saylor said, including the recognition Derr has received for his work as well as the hardships many former law enforcement officers face in prison.

The first 12 months of Derr’s probationary sentence will be served under house arrest, the judge ruled. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine.