Former petting zoo owner sentenced to 7 years in prison for sex crimes involving minors
CBC
WARNING: This story contains distressing details.
A judge has sentenced a former petting zoo owner from the Fredericton area to seven years in prison for making sexually explicit recordings of, and sexually assaulting, minors he employed.
In delivering his sentence in provincial court, Judge Scott Brittain said Michael Sorenson committed a "profound breach" against his victims.
"The scope and impact of Sorenson's criminality takes on a staggering dimension," said Brittain, just before announcing his sentence.
In February, the 40-year-old Noonan man pleaded guilty to 23 charges, including making child pornography, voyeurism, possessing child pornography, invitation to sexual touching, sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
One of those charges was withdrawn Friday.
In February, the court heard his crimes were committed over several years involving boys between the ages of 14 and 18.
Some of the victims worked for Sorenson's petting zoo that travelled the province, while others worked for his landscaping company.
In some cases, Sorenson offered the victims money and got them drunk before daring them to do various sexual acts while being recorded.
"Mr. Sorenson clearly groomed his victims," Brittain said, adding that he used his business and his position of authority to take advantage of them.
"This is very troubling, and there's a lot of calculation and deliberation associated with the actions of Mr. Sorenson."
Prior to Brittain delivering his sentence, Sorenson took the opportunity to address the court.
"I guess I'd like to say I'm sorry for what I've done," Sorenson said.
"I just want to clarify that there is no ill will for the victims, so there shouldn't be concerns about repercussions or revenge."
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