A South Whitehall Townshipl man has been sentenced to up to 40 years in state prison for raping and sexually abusing a child.

Jeffrey Morris, 39, was ordered to serve 20 to 40 years behind bars at a hearing Tuesday before Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge James Anthony. Additionally, Morris also will be required to register for the rest of his life as a sex offender.

Morris pleaded guilty Tuesday to three felony charges, including sexual abuse of children; rape of a child; and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child. He was arrested on Dec. 1, 2023, and has been in Lehigh County Prison ever since.

Ten additional felony charges were withdrawn in a plea arrangement to avoid having the child victim testify, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan told l

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