HUNTINGDON, Pa.—A Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to rape and related charges to avoid a trial on allegations he sexually abused eight Amish and Mennonite boys he befriended and took on road trips.

Sixty-five-year-old Larry Myers apologized as he left court Thursday following his plea hearing in Huntingdon County Court.

Prosecutors say Myers would take the youths from Huntingdon and Mifflin counties to Lancaster on mulch deliveries. Investigators say those trips led to dozens of sexual assaults.

Huntingdon County District Attorney George Zanic tells WJAC-TV that three of Myers' alleged victims were prepared to testify, despite their communities preferring privacy.

Sentencing is scheduled for December