Josh Denault (Photo courtesy: Brown County Jail)
WARNING: This story contains strong language and may not be suitable for all readers.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — After evidence of another crime was discovered, prosecutors will increase their sentencing recommendation for Joshua Denault, a tennis coach convicted of taking “upskirting” videos of minors.
Denault, 40, previously pleaded no contest to four counts of child sexual exploitation-filming and two counts of child enticement. Another 12 counts, including five of capturing an intimate representation, were dismissed as part of the plea deal. Sentencing is scheduled for May 20.
Since the March 11 plea hearing, evidence of another incident was discovered. Rather than file another charge, prosecutors will increase their prison recommendation, Assistant District Attorney Bryant Dorsey said in court Thursday.
Because it changes the terms of the plea deal, Dorsey and defense attorney Jeffrey Kippa asked Judge Thomas Walsh to approve the adjustment, which he did.
Denault was a tennis coach at Western Racquet & Fitness Club in Ashwaubenon and Four Seasons Tennis Club in Allouez, which are owned by the same company.
According to the original criminal complaint, a 10-year-old girl came forward in early May. She said that during lessons, Denault asked her to get into a wide stance, then placed his cellphone directly underneath her and recorded a video.
Sheriff’s officials searched Denault’s phone and found videos of the victim and other girls.
“Joshua did state that he would record a child on the court for training purposes,” the complaint says. However, prosecutors say the videos mainly showed intimate body areas. The girls were all clothed.
“Denault appeared to be ‘instructing’ the juvenile females, however based on the camera angle and video, you can barely see the girls’ arms, tennis racquet and form,” the complaint says.
According to the second criminal complaint, police found 36 “recently deleted” videos on Denault’s phone, leading them to more victims and charges.
One of the victims described her reaction to the evidence, saying “Seeing this video, it makes me feel gross, pissed off and it is very disturbing. Coach Denault always gave me the creeps, so I tried to stay away from him,” the complaint states.
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