Sign up for the paNOW newsletter

P.A. man guilty of sexual assault receives 9-month jail sentence

Feb 8, 2018 | 4:00 PM

A Prince Albert man found guilty of sexually assaulting the teenage son of a co-worker, has received a nine month jail sentence.
 
Misael Vargas was sentenced Thursday afternoon at Prince Albert Provincial Court. Vargas sat quietly in his chair as his interpreter relayed to him the facts of the case as provided by the judge.
 
The case dates back to September 2016. Vargas, while intoxicated at his co-worker’s house, had snuck into the boy’s basement room and performed oral sex on him. Vargas then left $40 under the boy’s pillow and told him not to tell anyone what happened. Vargas was found guilty last September.
 
Judge Hugh Harradence outlined multiple reasons for his sentencing decison including Vargas having no criminal record, two assessments declaring Vargas to be a low risk to re-offend, and Vargas’ expression of remorse for his actions.
 
“The key to rehabilitation will be a better understanding of sexual boundaries and control of his alcohol abuse,” Harradence said.
 
He said other factors in his decision included no physical injuries had been sustained, there was only one incident, and the incident had occurred between two people who were known to each other.
 
Speaking outside the courthouse, defense lawyer Scott Wolfe said he was happy with the judge’s decision.

“I think it was a fair decison. Taking into account all the circumstances before him, and obviously he had a difficult job to do, and I think he did a good job,” he said.
 
After serving his jail sentence, Vargas will also have an 18 month probation period, during which time he must write a written apology to the victim. Vargas will also be a registered sex offender for a period of 20 years.
 
 
panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow