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Jan 11, 2010 - MOLESTER CHECKED INTO MOTEL WITH 14 YEAR-OLD AND NOW FACES 50-YEAR RESIDENCY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

*** MEDIA ADVISORY***

 

January 11, 2010

 

MOLESTER CHECKED INTO MOTEL WITH 14 YEAR-OLD

AND NOW FACES 50-YEAR RESIDENCY

IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

 

Media Contact:  Curtis T. Hill, Jr. - 296-1888

 

A jury convicted Paul Kocielko, 39, of Elkhart, on Thursday, January 7, 2010, in the Elkhart Superior Court No. 3, of two (2) counts of Sexual Misconduct, as well as finding him to be a Habitual Offender.   The crimes occurred on August 8, 2007, when Kocielko assaulted a 14-year-old child. 

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Susan Snyder presented testimony from the young victim, who stated that shortly before the sexual assault, Kocielko stated that “she had never gotten drunk with him” and asked her to do so.  The child further testified that Kocielko purchased some peppermint liquor and a Pepsi, and then drove them both to the Knight’s Inn Motel, where he specifically requested a room with one double bed.

Further testimony from the child indicated Kocielko had her drink five (5) mixed drinks before they went to bed.  The defendant then had her massage his penis before sodomizing her.   The child also testified that she hid the underwear she was wearing that night because she saw it was stained with blood.  She later confronted Kocielko, who stated that he did not recall hurting her, but if he did, he was sorry, and suggested that they both agree not to talk about getting drunk or the sexual assault.  The child stated that Kocielko then asked her about the whereabouts of the clothing she was wearing that night, to which she lied, stating that she had gotten rid of it.  Eventually, the child told her aunt what had happened. 

Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Becker presented evidence to the jury that the underwear had been retrieved and subjected to two forensic DNA examinations.  The child’s testimony was corroborated by the presence of an injury to her anus and Kocielko’s DNA was discovered on her underwear.  The jury was also presented evidence from a former employee of the Knight’s Inn, who testified that on August 8, 2007, a man who identified himself by a photo ID and signed his name as Paul Kocielko paid in cash for a room for two occupants. 

Kocielko faces a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. in the Elkhart Superior Court No. 3.

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