A former preschool nurse in Manhattan has pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child and will be sentenced later this year.
Joshua Penabaz, 45, entered the pleas in Riley County District Court Wednesday morning. The victim in both counts was under the age of 14. Deputy Riley County Attorney Trinity Muth says the convictions are both Jessica’s Law counts, which carry a life sentence, with a minimum 25 years without the possibility of parole. The incidents are unrelated to his employment with the USD 383 school district.
Prior to his Feb. 2022 arrest, Penabaz was a nurse at College Hill Early Learning Center.
Sentencing will take place at 2 p.m. July 6 in front of Judge Kendra Lewison.
