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The Maui News
WAILUKU -- A 41-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to one year in jail and five years' probation on an amended charge of second-degree electronic enticement of a child and indecent electronic display to a child.
Second Circuit Judge Peter Cahill followed a plea agreement in sentencing Sebastian Bischert, of Hamburg, Germany and Kihei, who was one of six individuals detained in a police undercover operation in the beginning of December.
Bischert, who had been released from custody, pleaded guilty to the charge before he was sentenced Thursday. He was immediately sent to jail to begin his term.
Cahill imposed various conditions on Bischert and also ordered him to comply with various laws now that he is a convicted sex offender. Cahill added that once Bischert leaves the U.S., if he is not a U.S. citizen, he can never return. But after Bischert's jail term is over, he could ask the court to terminate his probation in order to go to another country, Cahill said.
Bischert's citizenship status was not discussed in court.
Deputy Prosecutor Iwalani Mountcastle Gasmen said that on Dec. 3, 2021, Bischert sent nude photos online to a female who was actually an undercover officer posing as a teenager. There were also text messages in which the officer told Bischert that she was 13 years old. Bischert also discussed sexual actions with someone whom he thought was the girl, Gasmen said.
On Dec. 5, 2021, Bischert asked the girl to meet at the Minit Stop along Piikea Avenue in Kihei. He was then arrested by police when he arrived, Gasmen said.
Bischert declined to speak in court during sentencing.
Defense attorney Matthew Nardi said, "He's extremely bothered by what he did."
Without his advice, Nardi said Bischert went out on his own to seek out therapy for his actions.
"This is something that torments him daily," Nardi said of the incident.