Following a sentencing hearing that lasted much of Wednesday afternoon, former Racine mayor Gary Becker was sentenced to a total of 3 years in prison and 5 years of extended supervision. Becker was arrested last year outside a Milwaukee area mall, after chatting on-line with an undercover state agent he thought was a teenaged girl. He was charged with several offenses, and pleaded guilty to two charges, attempted second degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement, avoiding a trial.
Judge Simanek (:25 MP3) AUDIO: Judge Simanek (:25 MP3)
In explaining his reason for sentencing Becker to prison, Judge Stephen Simanek pointed to a recent report that Becker purchased lingerie in the junior department of a local department store. “It’s not a crime to go to Boston Store and buy a little petite bra,” said Simanek. “But for someone in Mr. Becker’s position, he should never have been within five miles of the lingere department at the Boston Store. That’s incredibly telling.” The judge said Becker needs continued rehabilitative treatment and that can best happen in confinement.
Janet Hoff, WRJN
