Defendant Sentenced to 60 Year Term

Posted on 02/21/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2025

DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 60 YEAR TERM OF IMPRISONMENT FOR TRAFFICKING OF A CHILD AND MULTIPLE COUNTS OF POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Re: State of Wisconsin vs. Michael A. Westphal
Case No. 2023CF000307

Today, District Attorney Barry J. Braatz announced that Michael A. Westphal was sentenced for Trafficking of a Child and multiple counts of Possession of Child Pornography, stemming from a multi-jurisdictional investigation in 2023 and 2024, led by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which uncovered Westphal’s involvement in the trafficking of a child in the Philippines and possession of numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse.

The Court imposed a total bifurcated sentence of 35 years of initial confinement followed by 25 years of extended supervision. The State, by Assistant District Attorney Stephanie L. Hanson, recommended a total sentence of 35 years of initial confinement followed by 25- 30 years of extended supervision.

District Attorney Braatz stated, “I commend the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and all other agencies involved in this investigation, for their efforts in bringing this individual to justice. This case demonstrates and sends a clear message that the trafficking, exploitation, and victimization of children will never be tolerated in this community, and we will work tirelessly with law enforcement to hold these criminals accountable and take dangerous predators off our streets.”

This case was investigated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, led by Detective Tyler L’Allier. The case was prosecuted by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.