Man sentenced for sexually abusing children at Lane County nudist resort

Article from The Register-Guard

A 68-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison for groping two young children at a Marcola area nudist resort.

Michael Lee Hochgreve received the mandatory sentence in Lane County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

Hochgreve subjected the two victims — both of whom were younger than 11 — to sexual contact in a pool at the Willamettans Family Nudist Resort in separate incidents in April, prosecutor Bob Lane said.

On each occasion, Hochgreve victimized the children after their mothers had left the youngsters unattended with him in the pool, Lane said.

Alan Jaskoski, the Willamettans’ president-elect, expressed disgust when asked about Hochgreve during a telephone interview on Wednesday.

“I guess people like him get their day in court,” Jaskoski said. “Now that he has, he can go rot with the rest of them.”

Jaskoski said Hochgreve had been a club member for more than two years and had moved onto the property at some point before committing the crimes.

“Single men in the nudist environment are always viewed with some suspicion, but as far as (Hochgreve displaying) any warning signs, no,” Jaskoski said.

Jaskoski added that the Willamettans conduct nationwide criminal background checks on all new members, and enjoy a resort that “is pretty problem-free, for the most part.”

The victims and their parents did not attend Hochgreve’s sentencing hearing. Jaskoski declined to say if they continue to associate with the Willamettans.

Lane County sheriff’s detectives began investigating the case after learning of the allegations in May.

Detective Carl Wilkerson said Wednesday that deputies are rarely called to the Willamettans’ rural property and that he could recall no previous incidents at the resort in which sexual abuse had allegedly occurred.

Under state Measure 11 requirements, Hochgreve must serve his entire prison sentence without the possibility of early release.

In response to a question from Judge Charles Zennaché regarding whether he understood that he would be 88 years old when he completes his sentence, Hochgreve replied that he did, “if I live that long.”

Hochgreve admitted guilt in a plea deal with prosecutors. Had he been convicted of all four charges at a trial, he could have received 25 years in prison.

Hochgreve had been living on Social Security income after having worked as an information technology director at three hospitals in California, his public defender, Brian Walker, said in court. Hochgreve declined to make any statement at the hearing.

The Willamettans’ 40-acre, member-owned co-op resort has an inground swimming pool, nine rental units including cabins and recreational vehicles, and space for about 100 RVs. The group’s website says it is the largest nudist club in the Northwest, with more than 350 members.

If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of child sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form.  We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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