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Reconsideration of sentence denied

A Youngsville man serving a state prison sentence for indecent assault had a motion for reconsideration of sentence denied on Friday.

Joseph G. Hensley, 21, was sentenced in October to 36 to 108 months in a state correctional facility on a count of aggravated indecent assault – victim less than 16 years old.

His attorney, Elizabeth Ziegler, told the court that Hensley had undergone mental health treatment prior to his sentencing and he had expressed to her that he wasn’t sure how the court could sentence him without that treatment plan.

Ziegler told President Judge Maureen Skerda that an additional 30 pages of additional case notes came from that treatment and conclude that, though he was discharged, don’t indicate that he obtained his goals. She said that Hensley would restart his treatment once he is out of prison.

She said that the court was aware of his mental health issues and said that Hensley believed that should be considered.

Skerda asked Ziegler if, in her reading of the case notes, there was anything that would mitigate the sentence.

“No, your honor,” Ziegler responded.

Skerda said that because the sentence was in the standard range that his motion was denied.

Hensley didn’t help his cause when he was sentenced.

“You are before the court for forcible aggravated indecent assault,” Skerda advised him.

“It wasn’t what it looks like,” Hensley said.

“You’re telling me the victim isn’t really the victim?” Skerda asked.

“That’s the truth,” Hensley said.

He is required to register as a sexual offender throughout his life as a Tier III Megan’s Law offender.

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