RENO COUNTY — A registered Kansas sex offender was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison, followed by an additional 27.5 years, for sexually abusing two underage girls.
Wayne Willard, 39, was found guilty in April of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a 12-year-old, as well as the forcible rape of a 15-year-old. A Reno County District Court Judge followed the mandatory guidelines under Jessica’s Law in sentencing Willard to life in prison with no possibility of parole for 40 years for crimes involving the 12-year-old.
After serving the life sentence, Willard must begin a separate 27.5-year sentence for the rape of the 15-year-old. The judge designated him a "persistent sex offender" in connection to that conviction. Willard will not receive credit for any time previously served.
Willard has been registered as a sex offender since 2008 for sexual battery and aggravated indecent liberties convictions involving a child under age 16 in Wichita County, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.
The investigation was conducted by the Reno County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Reno County Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh and Assistant District Attorney Bach Hang. Willard was represented by defense attorney Mark Sevart of Wichita.