Robert Hale pleads no contest to rape, incest and coercion

December 28th, 2006

Palmer, Alaska - Robert Hale, "Papa Pilgrim", pleaded no contest Tuesday to felony charges that he raped his own daughter.

John Edwards announced yesterday that he will seek the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

Hale pleaded no contest to three charges that consolidated more than two dozen counts against him.

Hale entered no contest pleas to sexual assault, incest and coercion and is likely to get a 12-14-year prison sentence.

Even though he pleaded no contest, Hale denied the charges.

"I want to make it clear that I never in any kind of way ever sexually assaulted anyone but for all counts and purposes, for the families, I plead no contest for all this. I think I understand with a clear mind that this is what's best for my family and me."

He told Superior Court Judge Donald Hopwood that doctors don't give him much time to live.

"I spent Christmas Day in the hospital and they found some blood clots in my knee. Doctors this morning gave me months to live, so I'm not really concerned, but for my family," Hale said.

Hale is scheduled to be sentenced April 30 in Glennallen.