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News Release

Salem Man Sentenced To Life In Prison As A Third Strike Offender - 06/26/26

State of Oregon v. David F. Wentz

Marion County Circuit Court Case 26CR18956

 

Salem, OR – June 26, 2026 – On June 16, 2026, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles sentenced David Francis Wentz (age 73) to a Life Sentence in the Oregon Department of Corrections.  Wentz pled guilty to three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree having previously been convicted twice before to sex offenses.  Because this was the defendant’s third felony sex crime conviction, under ORS 137.719, Oregon law calls for a presumptive life sentence without the possibility of release or parole. 

 

In January 2026, Salem Police detectives began investigating the sexual abuse which occurred during the spring of 2025.  Wentz met the child victim when the child came to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Salem. The child came to engage in volunteer opportunities alongside local veterans.

 

In a relatively short period of time, Wentz ingratiated himself into the family's life becoming a person that they trusted and sometimes relied upon. For example, he occasionally babysat the children, stayed home with them when they were sick, and provided financial assistance to the family. He presented himself as a trusted and caring adult, deliberately breaking down boundaries to gain the child's trust.

 

"Insidious manipulation like this is common in these types of cases.  Often times offenders purposefully become ‘the kind of guy who wouldn’t do something like that.’”  We commend the victim for the tremendous courage it took to come forward and disclose the abuse," said District Attorney-elect Brendan Murphy. "We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this case to justice, and this sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's actions."

 

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple. The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the critical and delicate work of the Liberty House and the investigation by the Salem Police Department. Their excellent work led to justice in this case.

 

Due to the involvement of child victims and the nature of criminal behavior, no additional details will be released.

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Salem Man Sentenced To Life In Prison As A Third Strike Offender - 06/26/26

State of Oregon v. David F. Wentz

Marion County Circuit Court Case 26CR18956

 

Salem, OR – June 26, 2026 – On June 16, 2026, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Audrey Broyles sentenced David Francis Wentz (age 73) to a Life Sentence in the Oregon Department of Corrections.  Wentz pled guilty to three counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree having previously been convicted twice before to sex offenses.  Because this was the defendant’s third felony sex crime conviction, under ORS 137.719, Oregon law calls for a presumptive life sentence without the possibility of release or parole. 

 

In January 2026, Salem Police detectives began investigating the sexual abuse which occurred during the spring of 2025.  Wentz met the child victim when the child came to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post in Salem. The child came to engage in volunteer opportunities alongside local veterans.

 

In a relatively short period of time, Wentz ingratiated himself into the family's life becoming a person that they trusted and sometimes relied upon. For example, he occasionally babysat the children, stayed home with them when they were sick, and provided financial assistance to the family. He presented himself as a trusted and caring adult, deliberately breaking down boundaries to gain the child's trust.

 

"Insidious manipulation like this is common in these types of cases.  Often times offenders purposefully become ‘the kind of guy who wouldn’t do something like that.’”  We commend the victim for the tremendous courage it took to come forward and disclose the abuse," said District Attorney-elect Brendan Murphy. "We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this case to justice, and this sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's actions."

 

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Katharine Semple. The Marion County DA’s Office wishes to acknowledge the critical and delicate work of the Liberty House and the investigation by the Salem Police Department. Their excellent work led to justice in this case.

 

Due to the involvement of child victims and the nature of criminal behavior, no additional details will be released.

####