The accusation of possessing child pornography is treated very seriously in Wisconsin. For individuals convicted of a prior sex charge, the allegation can be even more grave. In fact, anyone convicted of a sexually related crime for the second time may face life in prison. Additionally, an individual who has committed a sexual offense involving a minor may face a sentence that’s even more harsh. These circumstances apply directly to a Wisconsin Rapids man who is currently facing possible indictment for internet sex crimes and the sexual exploitation of a child.
Law enforcement officials recently seized computers from the Wisconsin Rapids Housing Authority office after receiving a report from an investigator that computers there had been used to download child pornography. The findings led to the suspicion of a single employee. The 52-year-old man in question is now on paid administrative leave from his job pending the outcome of the upcoming internal investigation.
The man had previously been convicted of sexual assault against a student at the school where he was formerly a teacher and coach. At the time of his conviction, the court ordered him to resign from his teaching position. The man pleaded no contest to the sexual assault of a child in the fourth degree. A former official with the Housing Authority confirmed that the group had been aware of the man’s prior sexual assault conviction before it hired him. Representatives from the Housing Authority refused to comment on whether or not the man has had contact with children as part of his job duties.
If convicted, the man could face a mandated sentence of life in prison without parole. The man may also face a sentence of lifetime supervision. As of now, no official charges have been filed and there is currently no information as to whether the man has secured legal defense. Given the severity of the consequences associated with the allegations, legal counsel could provide the man with some peace of mind concerning future proceedings.
Source: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, “Housing agency knew of director’s prior conviction- former chairwoman says,” Nathaniel Shuda, 25 June 2011.