A Linden man was sentenced to one-and-a-half to five years in state prison on Wednesday for statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors.
Wesley Holtsclaw, 20, was on probation for an Aug. 2011 misdemeanor corruption of minors offense that involved alcohol when he was arrested for furnishing vodka to and having sex with minors in September.
"The purpose of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime," Judge Marc Lovecchio said. "Going to state you should take advantage of any programs they have."
"It was a stupid mistake and I know I messed up," Holtsclaw said. "I wish I could take it back."
Aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors charges stemming from the September incident were dropped. Holtsclaw was sentenced for his probation violation and on one statutory count.
"These charges are not subject to Megan's Law or the Adam Walsh (Child Protection) Act," Lovecchio said. "It's not a predatory offense - it's just a bad choice offense, a judgment offense the reason we have these laws is that while (a young girl) may be ready, willing and able, they don't have the emotional maturity to make that decision. You're 20 and you should have that maturity."
