Sublette Examiner | Man apologizes for ‘stupidity’ in sex abuse circumstance

SUBLETTE COUNTY – Thoughts ran large and solid at the sentencing listening to for Donald K. Woodward, 75, who pleaded guilty in February to using immoral and immodest liberties with a lady youthful than 17.

Woodward’s competency and health experienced been in problem immediately after he was charged in July 2020 with felony 3rd-diploma sexual abuse of a minor. In 9^th District Courtroom on May perhaps 27, Woodward and his legal professional Geoff Phillips informed Judge Marv Tyler by using videoconference that Woodward awaits tests for Alzheimer’s and Parkison’s ailments.

Sublette County Deputy Attorney Clayton Melinkovich and Phillips had worked out the plea agreement for Woodward, recommending five years of supervised probation and no make contact with with slight children. Deputy lawyer Stan Cannon sat in for Melinkovich, who was out of town.

The youthful female had found Woodward as a “trusted uncle,” her mother explained to Judge Tyler about the cellphone.

But the girl experienced nightmares after Woodward – “a soiled aged man” – showered with her bare and was worried her loved ones would be killed. “We moved to an additional house and now she can start out therapeutic – she’s a survivor.”

She requested the choose to impose a lasting restraining order from Woodward “as of currently.” Woodward appeared extremely upset as the mother talked about her daughter’s soreness and healing. She also stated Woodward should not get off simple with 5 yrs of supervised probation “just mainly because his age and Alzheimer’s.”

Cannon explained that the 5-calendar year expression is a lot extended than the common a few many years and involves the judge’s acceptance, which Judge Tyler accepted. He was assessed just $125 in expenses owing to his limited monetary situation.

Woodward also spoke, apologizing to the female, her loved ones and his loved ones for his “stupidity.”

“I wrecked the belief and really like she had for me,” he said. “I am so sorry. … I pray the tiny female will get on with a happy and healthy daily life.”