Former Teacher at Abby Free Church in Abbotsford Sentenced for Child-Enticement

Friday, September 12th, 2025 -- 12:00 PM

(WAOW) Sally Jahnke, a former teacher at Abby Free Church in Abbotsford, was sentenced to more than five years behind bars in Clark County Wednesday, according to WAOW.

According to a police report, the incidents occurred between June and July 2022, involving a child under 16, which constitutes felony under Wisconsin law. The investigation began after the victim’s mother, identified as LH, reported suspicious behavior to church elders in October 2022.

Despite an initial investigation by the church finding no misconduct, further evidence emerged, leading to police involvement. Officer Nicholas Rudolph's reports include detailed accounts of Snapchat conversations and in-person interactions between Jahnke and the victim.

The victim, who initially withheld details, later disclosed more about the inappropriate contact during counseling sessions. Jahnke plead guilty to two counts: child enticement - sexual contact, which is a felony, and 4th degree sexual assault, a misdemeanor.

She was sentenced to 10 years for the child-enticement count, which included five years behind bars and five years extended supervision. She also received a 9 month jail sentence for the second count, which will run concurrent with the first sentence.

Jahnke was also ordered no contact with the victim or their families, attend counseling and register for the Sex Offender Registry Program.

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