Sheriff’s deputy involved in child porn case pleads not guilty

WEST ALLIS — Philip Wentzel, the former Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Sergeant facing a nine-count federal indictment for distribution and possession of child pornography pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court Friday morning, May 25th.

41-year-old Wentzel was indicted for six counts of production of child pornography and one count each of advertising, distribution and possession of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that from 2009, through approximately April, 2011, Wentzel knowingly produced child pornography. It is alleged that each count of production of child pornography involved a different minor female victim.

According to court documents, Wentzel was involved in a peer-to-peer file sharing program to share images and videos of child pornography which he and others produced.

It is alleged that in March, 2012, Wentzel’s profile page advertised he was looking for original images of child pornography involving minor girls.

If convicted of production of child pornography, and advertisement to exchange/share child pornography, Wentzel faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of 5 years and up to life time of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, on each count.

If convicted of distribution of child pornography, Wentzel faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. Wentzel faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of 5 years and up to life of supervised release if convicted of the possession of child pornography count.

Wentzel was arrested on May 2nd at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department. He
made his initial appearance in federal court on Thursday, May 3rd. Wentzel will face trial in this case.

Wentzel resigned his position with the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department May 7th.

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