Nova Scotia

Convicted N.S. sex offender released from prison again

Michael Lynn Wentzell spent 2 months back behind bars for a parole violation after being arrested in October.

Michael Lynn Wentzell spent 2 months behind bars for a parole violation

The Parole Board of Canada said Michael Lynn Wentzell is not likely to reoffend. (Lars Hagberg/Canadian Press)

A Nova Scotia man is being released from prison after spending two months back behind bars for a parole violation.

Michael Lynn Wentzell was arrested in October after the Parole Board of Canada received reports he had violated his release condition not to consume alcohol.

Wentzell initially denied the allegation, but later confirmed he drank vodka on a couple of occasions because of stress.

He had been out on full parole since January of last year after serving a four-year sentence for sexual assault and sexual exploitation involving a young person he knows. The offences cover a period from 2002 to 2010.

While out on parole, another complainant came forward, and Wentzell is now accused of historic sex offences against a different young person. He has pleaded not guilty and faces a preliminary inquiry in April.

A garage door with the words "child molester," "pedophile" and "little girls" spray painted on it,
Graffiti was painted on the Volgers Cove, N.S., garage of Michael Lynn Wentzell. It has since been covered up. (Submitted)

In deciding to release Wentzell again, the parole board said his two months back in prison appear to have "resonated" with him and he's not likely to reoffend.

The board said Wentzell has been under a lot of stress because people in his hometown of Voglers Cove, N.S., have made it clear he is unwelcome: his home has been tagged with graffiti calling him a child molester and someone shot a pellet through his window.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blair Rhodes

Reporter

Blair Rhodes has been a journalist for more than 40 years, the last 31 with CBC. His primary focus is on stories of crime and public safety. He can be reached at blair.rhodes@cbc.ca