[1]A jail guard takes Reginald L. Juntunen’s finger prints before leading him out of the courtroom.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Twenty-four-year-old Reginald L. Juntunen told the court he’s truly sorry for molesting an 8-year-old girl before a judge gave the Winlock man a sentence of 25 years to life.
Juntunen was in Lewis County Superior Court this afternoon following a plea agreement that avoids a trial for the girl who is now 13 years old.
His parents, sister, grandmother and friends filled two rows on one side of the Chehalis courtroom while the victim’s father sat in the back in the opposite corner.
Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Joely O’Rourke read a statement from the father, who wrote of the day five years ago in the Mossyrock campground that forever changed the carefree life of his then 8-year-old child.
He thanked Juntunen for not killing her, and for admitting what he did.
“She’s very happy you’ll be going away for a long time, and won’t be able to hurt anyone again,” O’Rourke read.
[2]Reginald L. Juntunen, two years ago at a Christian event
Juntunen was arrested this summer after he was identified through DNA as a suspect in the unsolved case from September 2007. He pleaded guilty last month to first-degree child molestation, for sexually assaulting the girl in a campground restroom.
The plea agreement contained an aggravating factor, that the offense was predatory.
The case was originally charged as rape and numerous related offenses but lawyers on the two sides settled on child molestation, involving sexual contact with the girl.
Defense attorney Chris Baum said told the judge he knew his words wouldn’t change the sentence which is set by statute, but described a client who from the start accepted responsibility for what he did.
Baum said he’s known the Winlock High School graduate for a long time and was surprised by the charges.
“He unfortunately had abused too many drugs and too much alcohol,” Baum said.
Juntunen was enrolled in Lewis County Drug Court when he was charged in the case.
With a box of tissue at his side and with lengthy pauses during which he sniffled, Juntunen spoke of his shame for his behavior and of falling short of his family’s expectations. He kept his back to the courtroom benches and news cameras during the entirety of the hearing.
“As an early teen, I strayed away to a life heavily influenced by drugs and alcohol,” he said. “My morals and values were lost in my addiction.”
He vowed to use his time in prison to better himself.
O’Rourke also read a letter from the victim, in which she described having to stay close to her mom and dad out in public, and her fear of going into a restroom alone.
“Even today, I’m afraid the same thing could happen to me,”Rourke recited. “But at least now I’m more aware.”
Judge James Lawler called the case horrendous, and imposed the sentence of 25 years to life.
During that time, Juntunen will also serve 20 months for a burglary and selling stolen jewelry that occurred this year.
Baum said it will be up to the indeterminate sentencing board if and when Juntunen gets out of prison. He will be on probation for the rest of his life if he gets out.
“He’s gonna do more than 20 years, and then the board will take a look at him,” Baum said.
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For background, read: “Breaking news: Winlock man admits he touched girl in campground restroom” from Friday Nov. 9, 2012, here [3]