All computers, smartphones are subject to search
A 78-year-old man who was sentenced to 2-10 years of home confinement for having child pornography was granted parole on Tuesday.
David Berentsen was given that sentence by Judge Phillip Gaujot in May 2018 for his conviction of possession of materials of minors in sexually explicit conduct.
Parole is similar to probation in that there are conditions and rules that must be followed.
Any computers or smartphones used by Berentsen are subject to random searches, Monongalia County Prosecutor Perri DeChristopher said.
After Berentsen completes his parole, the five years of extended supervision Gaujot ordered at his May 2018 sentencing will take effect, which will continue to allow for random searches.
Berentsen first asked for his home confinement to end and his parole lifted in July, but Gaujot denied his request.
At the July hearing Gaujot said he wasn’t inclined to discharge the sentence early because of the serious nature of Berentsen’s crime.
However, Gaujot said he would consider releasing Berentsen from home confinement after hearing testimony from a therapist about a treatment plan.
Gaujot also denied the request for parole to be lifted on Tuesday.
A therapist was available to testify over the phone or Zoom. Both Jim Zimarowski, Berentsen’s attorney, and DeChristopher agreed the report was enough.
The report said Berentsen was motivated to gain insight on why he made the decisions that led to his criminal activity, he only canceled one appointment since January 2017 because of a conflict with a medical appointment for his wife and that he was at a low risk to engage in future criminal behavior.
Gaujot also ordered Berentsen to continue his therapy until the therapist decides it’s no longer needed.
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