GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The man who attacked a woman on a De Pere recreational trail was convicted Wednesday, and could face more than 100 years in the prison system.
Miles Cruz, now 18, was facing five charges, including attempted first-degree intentional homicide, for the Oct. 5, 2021 incident on the East River Trail. But in court Wednesday, Cruz pleaded no contest to the other four charges: first-degree sexual assault, strangulation, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and kidnapping. The attempted homicide charge was dropped, but the judge can consider it at sentencing.
Cruz faces up to 116 years in the prison system. Prosecutors will cap their recommendation at 40 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision. The defense can argue for whatever term it deems appropriate.
Judge Tammy Jo Hock is not bound by those recommendations when she issues her sentence at the hearing next Jan. 6.
Under Wisconsin law, 17-year-olds are prosecuted in adult court for criminal cases. The incident happened on Cruz’s 17th birthday.
The plea deal comes about two months after Judge Hock ruled DNA evidence tying Cruz to the scene would be allowed at trial.
According to the criminal complaint, the victim was walking on the trail with her son Oct. 5 when the attack happened. Prosecutors allege Cruz put a sweatshirt over the victim’s head, pulling her backwards. The victim told police she fought to get away, but the attacker squeezed her neck, causing her to lose consciousness. However, she did remember being sexually assaulted.
Police found Cruz’s backpack in the area, and later found him, as well. He said he had slept in a nearby park in Allouez. DNA evidence tied Cruz to the victim, the criminal complaint says.
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