In a case that is sure to leave many questioning not only the outcome but the basis for charges, former junior hockey coach Anthony DeSilva was sentenced in Polk County Florida on Friday based upon a “no contest” plea to the use of a computer to seduce a child.
Based upon the plea agreement, DeSilva, who spent 244 days in the Polk County Jail, was sentenced by Circuit Judge Catherine Combee to time served and 58 months of probation.
DeSilva was originally charged with 75 counts involving the use of a computer to seduce a child, transmitting harmful material to a child, inducing a child to engage in a sexual performance, causing a child to travel or attempt to travel for sexual purposes and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
75 counts of various sex crimes and the accused receives 244 days in jail and 58 months probation? Something does not pass the smell test with this whole case.
Either the prosecution was overzealous when it was charging DeSilva to begin with, or the prosecution really didn’t have much of a case to prosecute and over charged DeSilva with the intent of using the extra charges to leverage a plea agreement, or DeSilva had one hell of an attorney. Or the prosecution botched the case so badly that DeSilva could easily walk away from it.
DeSilva was originally charged with 75 counts involving the use of a computer to seduce a child, transmitting harmful material to a child, inducing a child to engage in a sexual performance, causing a child to travel or attempt to travel for sexual purposes and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Yet in the end there was only enough evidence to support DeSilva pleading “no contest” to just one charge. The “no contest” plea is not an admission of guilt, although under court rules does allow the court to treat a “no contest” plea as though it is an admission of guilt for sentencing purposes.
DeSilva who was charged in November of 2012, spent 244 days in jail. If this is accurate, he has been free from confinement for a year or more while this case has been ongoing.
Additionally, DeSilva will not have to register as a sex offender based upon this sentence. While he will be monitored under probation, he is not allowed internet access accept for work purposes, upon completion of his probation he will be free to do as he so chooses.
Reports have DeSilva returning to Massachusetts to serve his probation term, and under the plea agreement he is not allowed to return to the State of Florida.
One thing that is certain is that DeSilva will not be coaching again. This conviction will preclude him from being allowed to supervise minors in a position of authority such as a head coach would do.
DeSilva has not spoken publicly since his arrest, and one can only wonder if he ever will. TJHN will update this story if more information becomes available.
Joe Hughes
