Crown seeks multi-year sentence in sex assault case
The Crown pushed for a sentence between two and three years in the case of a Colombian-born man found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy.
Misael Vargas, 47, drunkenly assaulted the teenager in September 2016. Following the assault, Vargas left two $20 bills under the victim’s pillow and later sent him text messages containing a “thumbs up” symbol and a dollar sign. Vargas was found guilty following an August trial, and his sentencing hearing was held this morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.
Senior Crown prosecutor Catherine Gagnon pushed for a prison sentence of two to three years. Although Vargas had no criminal record in Canada or Colombia, Gagnon said he has not taken responsibility for his actions or acknowledged the harm done to the teenage victim.
Defence lawyer Scott Wolfe said Vargas does not remember the incident, and wishes to receive treatment for alcohol abuse. Vargas was assessed as a low risk to reoffend, Wolfe said, pushing for a sentence of 12 to 18 months.