Warsaw Man Receives 25-Year Prison Sentence After Molesting Child For Six Years
WARSAW — A Warsaw man will serve 25 years in prison after molesting a child for six years.
Lars Eric Gustafson, 37, Warsaw, was charged with child molesting, a level 1 felony. A charge of vicarious sexual gratification was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
Gustafson was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior Court 1 on Thursday, March 12.
On Sept. 25, 2019, a Milford Police officer responded to a report of child molesting involving a victim at Kosciusko Community Hospital. The officer went to the hospital and spoke with the child, who said Gustafson had been engaging in sexual conduct with them.
The child was then interviewed at the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center. According to court documents, the child said on Sept. 23, 2019, they were in their bedroom when Gustafson engaged in sexual conduct with them. The child said the sexual contact had been happening twice a week for the last six years and that Gustafson would have the child inappropriately touch themselves.
On Sept. 25, 2019, Gustafson went to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office and admitted to coaching the child on how to inappropriately touch themselves. He also admitted to having sexual intercourse with the child.
“I’m thankful for the courage of (the victim),” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brad Voelz. “I’m hopeful (the victim) will be fine with help from professionals in this community.”
“Lars is not here seeking any type of pity,” said Defense Attorney John Barrett. “He understands the victim’s family are victims as well. He’s remorseful with every fiber of his being and wants some help. He is hopeful to get the help he needs.”
Gustafson did not deliver a statement during court proceedings; however, Judge David Cates mentioned Gustafson’s statement that was included in a pre-sentence investigation report.
“I don’t believe that statement for a second,” said Cates. “You violated a position of care and trust.”
Cates sentenced Gustafson to 30 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with five years of the sentence suspended on formal probation. In total, Gustafson will serve 25 years behind bars.
A no-contact order is also in place between Gustafson and the victim.