Polson man held on child exploitation charges
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Paul Wencewicz, 47, Polson, pleaded not guilty to charges of child exploitation enterprise and conspiracy to advertise child pornography during a federal court session in Missoula on Aug. 30 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch. Wencewicz was charged along with three other individuals from Washington, Oregon and Virginia; all pleaded not guilty. In addition, Wencewicz also pleaded not guilty to obstruction of justice. All four men are currently detained.
According to court documents, if convicted of child exploitation enterprise, Wencewicz faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of five years supervision. In addition, if convicted of conspiracy to advertise child pornography, he could face a mandatory minimum of 15 to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of five years supervision. Wencewicz also faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release if convicted of obstruction of justice.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee L. Peterson is the prosecutor for the United States. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bozeman Police Department.
The charges, an indictment, information or complaint, is merely an accusation and all persons named as defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. A pre-trial conference and a trial date will be set and the United States will be required to prove the allegations set forth in the indictment beyond a reasonable doubt.
