Pittsville Man Sentenced for Child Enticement

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 -- 1:00 PM

A Pittsville man charged with sexual assault of a child was sentenced in Wood County Court on Tuesday.

According to court records, on February 24th of 2024, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department was informed that a juvenile was having contact with a registered sex offender in the City of Pittsville.

The mother of the child said that her child and Justin Hetzel were texting and planning to meet. The child initially lied about their age, but once Hetzel found out, he stated he didn’t mind and continued to talk with the child.

The text messages between the two eventually turned sexual in nature. Hetzel also told the child on many occasions to delete their messages and turn off notifications on their phone. He also told the child to change his contact name.

Hetzel allegedly met with the child sometime between March 29th and April 29th. After the child said they did not want any sexual contact with Hetzel he drove them to a wooded area where he and the child engaged in sexual acts. The child said they were afraid Hetzel was going to rape them.

They also said Hetzel wanted to meet up again and told the child if anyone found out they would get in trouble. Hetzel denied knowing the child and owning a cell phone.

Hetzel was found guilty of, due to a no contest plea, child enticement-sexual contact. Several other charges were dismissed and read in. He was sentenced to 5 years in state prison and 10 years of extended supervision.

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