Probation for Madison man, accused of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor

RACINE COUNTY -- A Madison man, accused of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor, has been sentenced.

53-year-old Mark Lentz in February pleaded no contest to a felony charge of attempted second degree sexual assault of a child.

In court on Monday, April 25th, Lentz was sentenced to serve four years in prison and three years extended supervision. That sentence was imposed and stayed -- and Lentz was instead placed on probation for six years.

Conditions of probation include six months in the Racine County Jail (with 120 days to be served before Huber release for work is allowed), registration as a sex offender and sex offender treatment and no access to the internet.

Lentz is not allowed to have authority over minors or volunteer where there would be contact with minors.

Charges were filed in this case on April 21st, 2014.

On April 18th,  Racine County Sheriff's investigators arrested Lentz for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

Racine County Sheriff’s investigators conducted an undercover operation that involved Lentz, whom officials said was engaging in sexually explicit conversations with a subject he believed was a 15-year-old male.

"I'm very proud of the commitment and hard work my investigative team brings to these very intense and challenging cases. They are truly making an impact towards the safety of our children here in Racine County," said Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling.

According to officials, Lentz made arrangements to meet with the juvenile in order to engage in sexual activity. Lentz then traveled to a pre-designated location where he believed he was meeting the juvenile and was taken into custody.