Readers of this blog are likely aware that the law can take a very harsh stand against sex crimes, even if they only occur on the Internet, as viewing or even discussing underage sexual contact is taken very seriously. With that in mind, readers may be interested in the case of a 30-year-old Wisconsin man who is now facing half a dozen felony charges related to child enticement.
The man reportedly traveled to Onalaska allegedly to meet an underage girl for sex. Although media reports haven’t provided many details, it is presumed that the man was met by police before the alleged meeting was to take place. Police subsequently arrested the man, charging him with attempted first degree sexual assault of a child, using a computer to facilitate a sex crime, and child enticement. The man is currently in the Wisconsin La Crosse County Jail without bail until his first court appearance.
Although it is unclear how police came to suspect the man, an intensive investigation prior to this alleged meeting was likely conducted due to the number of agencies and police officers involved in the case. Police from several departments and a special internet protection task force contributed to the man’s being arrested.
The level of intensity of this investigation shows that even suspected sex crimes with minors are taken very seriously by law enforcement. Even so, it is important to keep in mind that, no matter the charges, those accused of such crimes are innocent until proven otherwise. To be sure, penalties for these crimes can be harsh and often include lengthy prison terms and fines, and there are societal consequences that could follow the accused for the rest of their lives. It is very difficult to un-ring a bell that involves accusations of sex crimes with minors, even if no actual sexual activity has taken place. That is why individuals’ rights must be aggressively protected. People in situations such as this man’s have often found experienced legal counsel to be indispensable in helping to un-ring this bell as seamlessly as possible.
Source: wxow.com, “Man arrested after traveling to Onalaska for sex,” Kevin Millard, Nov. 12, 2011