A North Platte man will spend the next six to ten years in prison for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.
Wesley Sharp, 41, appeared in Lincoln County District Court for sentencing on Monday.
According to prosecutors, North Platte Police launched a sexual assault investigation, in January, after the girl reported that Sharp had sexually assaulted her with digital penetration on multiple occasions.
The juvenile told officers that she had slept over at Sharp’s house in early January. She alleged that Sharp insisted that she sleep in the same bed as he and his wife.
The girl said she fell asleep in the bed and awoke to find Sharp assaulting her.
The next day, prosecutors say Sharp assaulted the girl again as he gave her a ride home.
After further investigation, officers learned that the abuse had been taking place over a three-year period.
Deputy Lincoln County Attorney, Jennifer Clements, asked the court to sentence Sharp to a lengthy prison sentence due to the many aggravating circumstances of the case, saying Sharp was in a position of trust with the victim.
Sharp’s attorney, Blaine Gillette, asked the court to remember that this was not a case of full-blown sexual intercourse.
He claimed that, while sharp admitted to the act, his memory is clouded due to alcohol and medication he was taking for an injured back.
Gillette also pointed out that Sharp had saved the court the time and expense of a trial, and prevented the witness from testifying by entering a plea to the charges.
Judge Donald Rowlands noted the fact that Sharp did indeed enter a plea in the case, but also made note of Sharp’s extensive criminal record, which dated back to 1992.
Judge Rowlands said Sharp’s relationship to the victim and the age difference between he and the victim, made the offense aggravated.
Rowlands then sentenced Sharp to not less that six nor more than ten years in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.
He was given credit for 271 days already served in jail and must register as a sex offender.