Joshua Duval appears in Lewis County Superior Court on Nov. 28, 2018, for a sentencing hearing.
A man who pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree child molestation was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to 68 months to life behind bars.
Joshua P. Duval, 45, of Chehalis was charged on Aug. 2 and pleaded guilty on Oct. 25 to a series of molestations perpetrated against one underaged victim.
Duval’s attorney Christopher Baum said Wednesday, just as the hearing began, that Duval wanted to withdraw his guilty plea. Judge Andrew Toynbee denied that, saying Judge James Lawler had already found Duval guilty.
Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office, represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Silvia Irimescu, recommended a sentence of 51 months to life and life-long community custody if and when he is released.
Baum agreed with the recommendation. He said Duval had been suffering severe medical issues.
Toynbee instead went with 68 months to life with 83 days of credit for time already served. He also sentenced Duval to life long community custody if he is released, and to never come into contact with kids or live near schools.
Toynbee also said Duval’s actions have had a devastating effect on the victim, and quickly followed that statement by saying “we won’t be calling her a victim in the future.” He said he hopes family and community support will help the juvenile out through any hard times the future might bring.
According to a presentence investigation report filed by the Department of Corrections, Duval, after having pled guilty, said he was innocent.
“Mr. Duval when asked what had happened in his own words simply replied “Nothing happened”, reads the report. Family members who were interviewed prior to the sentencing stated Duval demanded silence for his actions with threats of violence against the juvenile and a family member, according to court documents.
