Wenzlau sentencing in sex case set for March 12

"A longtime environmental group volunteer in Palo Alto, who admitted to possessing child pornography and trying to meet up with a minor for sex, will be sentenced on March 12. Robert "Bob" Wenzlau, 67, was supposed to be sentenced on Jan. 8, but the date was rescheduled at the request of the prosecutor due to a death in the prosecutor's family, according to Wenzlau's attorney Daniel Barton."

"In April 2024, Wenzlau was arrested at his home in the Crescent Park neighborhood for sending sexually explicit messages to two undercover police officers who posed as young girls. Wenzlau talked about meeting up with the girls and made sexual comments about his dog and nieces, police said. "Wenzlau appears to be highly motivated to take action on his sexual desires toward children," Officer Yolanda Franco-Clausen wrote in her police report."

"Wenzlau was known for leading the nonprofit Neighbors Abroad for eight years, an organization that oversees Palo Alto's relationships with its sister cities. He also worked with the city on environmental issues for decades and lobbied for successful ballot measures in 2011, 2017 and 2022. Wenzlau founded the environmental consultant company, Terradex, which helps clean up contaminated or environmentally sensitive properties."

Robert 'Bob' Wenzlau, 67, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor for arranging a meeting with a minor and three felonies: possession of child pornography, communicating with a minor with intent to commit a sexual offense, and sending harmful materials to a minor. He faces a maximum sentence of five years and a tentative term of up to 18 months in state prison and must register as a sex offender for life. He was arrested in April 2024 after sending sexually explicit messages to undercover officers posing as young girls. He led Neighbors Abroad, founded Terradex, and was removed from city committees and organizational boards after his arrest. Sentencing is scheduled for March 12.

Read at Padailypost