Myhre sentenced for sexually assaulting child

HURLEY - A 30-year-old Juneau, Wis., man received an eight-year prison sentence Monday in Iron County Court for sexually assaulting a young child on several occasions.

Brett Myhre was sentenced by Judge Patrick Madden, who also ordered eight years of extended supervision after completion of the prison sentence.

Iron County District Attorney Marty Lipske had recommended 60 years of prison and 20 years of parole.

"Short of murder, this is as bad as it gets," Lipske said.

Lipske read a long statement from the female victim, who was 7 years old at the time of the assaults and is now 18. She said her horrible memories don't end.

One of the assaults occurred under moonlight and the victim said she is now "haunted by the moon at night." She described herself as "a turtle in a shell who is trying to find a way to pop back out."

As she grew older, the girl said she realized the assaults were not normal behavior. "I kept my life a secret," she said. "I'm OK and stable now, for the most part," she added. "I don't want to be afraid anymore."

She said all she remembers of her entire childhood is being injured in an accident and being sexually assaulted.

Several people spoke at the sentencing hearing.

The victim's mother said her daughter "never had the chance to say no" and thanked counselors for helping the girl.

Myhre's brother said Brett Myhre has never molested his three kids and is gainfully employed. His only previous record is a criminal damage to property charge as a youth.

Myhre will be given credit for 121 days spent in county jail and faces restitution of up to $5,000 for the victim's future counseling.

Defense attorney Aaron Marcoux noted the pre-sentence investigation from the Department of Corrections recommended incarceration of one year.

Marcoux said the victim didn't deserve what had happened to her. "She should know that she is heard and that she is loved," Marcoux said.

"I apologize. I know what I did was wrong ... I hope she can recover," Myhre said. He said he'd like to continue to be able to provide for his family.

But Madden called the acts "reprehensible," adding, "You stole and destroyed a childhood and it can never be gained back."

Myhre had originally been charged with five counts of sexual assault of child.

The assaults occurred in March, April and May of 2003.

Iron County Sheriff's Department Lt. Paul Samardich was the lead investigator.