Viola man pleads guilty in child sex case
A 73-year-old Viola man has pleaded guilty to two child sex crimes that could land him in prison for life.
William L. Metzen on Friday admitted to two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child younger than 14, a few days before he was set for jury trial, according to court records and the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. He is eligible for life imprisonment under Kansas’ version of Jessica’s Law, which toughened sentences for those convicted of certain sex acts with minors.
Metzen is set for sentencing Nov. 13 before Sedgwick County District Judge Gregory Waller. His crimes involve lewd fondling or touching of a child between 2009 and August 2013, according to court documents. The child ranged in age from 10 or 11 to 14 at the time.
Two counts of indecent liberties with a child were dismissed as part of Metzen’s plea deal, records show. Metzen told the court he was self-employed in the farm and cattle industry when he was charged last September.
Reach Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or aleiker@wichitaeagle.com. Follow her on Twitter: @amyreneeleiker.
This story was originally published October 1, 2014 at 7:58 AM with the headline "Viola man pleads guilty in child sex case."