A former USD 383 nurse was sentenced to prison in Riley County District Court on Thursday for child sex crimes.
45-year-old Joshua Penabaz was sentenced to life in prison on two counts of indecent liberties with a child. The charges include a possibility for parole after 25 years in prison.
Penabaz had previously plead guilty to the charges back in April which come under Jessica’s Law.
Penabaz’s defense team filed a motion for departure and requested a reduced sentence of 12.5 years in prison, but it was rejected by Judge Kendra Lewison who ordered Penabaz to also pay over $3,000 in restitution.
Penabaz apologized for his actions in court saying that he has changed and that he is currently sober after battling addiction and depression for many years. Penabaz also suffers from diabetes.
Judge Lewison commended the victims who came forward in court on Thursday by calling their statements “courageous and impactful.”
