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Koepke sentenced
Koepke sentenced
WASHINGTON CO. (WITI) -- A Washington County judge sentenced Daniel Koepke to 22 months in prison plus five years of extended supervision on Thursday, January 24th.
Koepke pleaded no contest to charges he sexually assaulted a five-year-old child he was sitting. The plea was part of a deal with prosecutors.
In the Washington County courtroom on Thursday, dozens filled the divided room. On one side sat the family and supporters of 18-year-old Koepke, and on the other side sat the loved ones of the little girl Koepke is accused of assaulting.
"Her smiles are few and far between. She has died," the little girl's mother told the court.
The little girl's mother asked the judge for a stiff penalty.
Koepke's mother also took the stand, saying her son is remorseful.
"We love this family and it hurts us that our son has allowed this to happen," Koepke's mother said.
Koepke told the court he is currently seeking treatment. His defense says experts believe with treatment, he has a low risk of offending again.
Koepke had originally faced a maximum sentence of 100 years in prison. But as part of the plea deal, prosecutors will not recommend any more than five to seven years.
As part of his bail, Koepke is ordered not to be around anyone under the age of 16 unsupervised.
Koepke had been attending Hamilton High School until school officials found out about the case.
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