NOVA SCOTIA MAN JAILED FOR PAST SEXUAL ASSAULT
A man from Voglers Cove, Nova Scotia, Michael Lynn Wentzell, aged 72, has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexual assault that took place more than four decades ago.Justice Diane Rowe of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court announced the sentence on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
The court's conviction followed a trial held last October, in which Wentzell was found guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in 1982.
Wentzell denied the assault happened, but the victim, who was acquainted with him at the time, reported the incident to her family shortly afterward.
Her mother reported it to the police, but no action was taken at the time.
The victim later returned to police, the allegations were investigated, and charges were filed against Wentzell.
During the sentencing process, the prosecution pushed for a sentence of eight to ten years, while Wentzell's defense lawyer, Matthew Fancy, requested house arrest or a sentence not exceeding four years.
The judge, considering a pre-sentence report and forensic assessments, decided that house arrest was inappropriate given the need for denunciation and deterrence and noted that Wentzell does not believe his actions were harmful.
The court also highlighted that Wentzell's medical conditions did not warrant a reduced sentence.
His family relationships were mixed, with two adult children disowning him while his wife expressed support and labeled the allegations as "fraudulent." Post-sentencing, Wentzell's DNA will be entered into the national database, and his name will remain on the sex offender registry for life.
He will also face strict conditions upon release, including staying away from the victim, minors, and child-frequented places, abstaining from drugs and weapons, and limited online activity.
Additionally, he will undergo three years of probation and be subject to internet restrictions.
It is noted that Wentzell had a prior conviction for child sexual assault, although the recent crime was committed afterward.
