A Lucas County man has been sentenced for sex offenses involving a minor.
William O. Torres, 41, of Holland, appeared Tuesday in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Matt Reger.
Torres was indicted in February for importuning and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, both fifth-degree felonies; and attempted unlawful sexual contact with a minor, a fourth-degree felony.
On Dec. 16, while chatting online with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl, Torres attempted to obtain nude images. He gave instructions to the officer posing as a girl on what part of the body to take a picture of, where to do it, and how to silence her phone so she would not get caught.
On Dec. 30, Torres continued to push for more naked pictures while sending to the officer two pictures of himself naked. He also tried to set up a meeting.
Torres pleaded guilty in March to all three charges.
Defense attorney Kent Sobran said his client was an honorably discharged veteran who is enrolled in PTSD and sex offender treatment with the VA.
“He tells me he’s learned a lot from this,” Sobran said. “He has let his family down, he has let himself down.”
Wood County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney said the importuning charge comes with a presumption for prison, but the state was asking for a sentence of community control with local jail time.
She explained the state took into consideration discussions with the detective, Torres’ military history, the fact he has no criminal record and his treatment as reasons for her sentencing request.
She said Torres first approached the detective posing as a young girl on the Whisper app then asked to move to SnapChat.
He showed up twice to the meet location, and was arrested the second time, she said.
Torres’ wife indicated this is the second time he’s been caught trying to have sex with someone under the age of 18, Gross said.
Torres cried while apologizing to his wife and the community.
“I have to hit rock bottom to realize enough is enough,” he said.
Reger imposed a sentence of 12 months for each of the first two charges and 18 months for the attempted unlawful contact.
The sentences will be served concurrently for a total of 18 months.
Reger said he would consider early release after 180 days.
Torres must register as a Tier II sex offender, which will require him to register every 180 days for 25 years.
He must forfeit his iPhone and 2013 GMC Terrain vehicle.
