KENOSHA, Wis. — A 60-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after a Kenosha County judge overruled a plea agreement and ordered a harsher sentence for repeated sexual abuse of a child.

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Frank A. Sadewater pleaded guilty in April to Repeated Sexual Assault of the Same Child (At Least Three Violations of First Degree Sexual Assault), a Class B felony punishable by up to 60 years in prison. On Wednesday, Judge Anthony Milisauskas sentenced him to 15 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision—five years longer than the joint recommendation presented by both the defense and prosecution.

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The case began in Walworth County in early 2022, but due to recusals by the Walworth County District Attorney and all local judges, it was reassigned to Kenosha County. Assistant District Attorney Rosa Delgado prosecuted the case.

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The abuse occurred over several years starting when the victim was in third grade. According to statements made in court, Sadewater gained the trust of the child’s mother after meeting her online. He moved into their home and took on a parental role, which he used to isolate and abuse the child whenever they were alone.

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The victim, now an adult, told the court that the abuse has left her with severe emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress. She said she continues to struggle with basic feelings of safety and carries the burden of what happened every day.

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“This kind of trauma doesn’t just fade—it follows you,” she told the court. She also criticized the delays in the case, which spanned over four years and included multiple postponements, which she attributed to Sadewater.

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Two other women came forward during the investigation and were prepared to testify at trial had Sadewater not pleaded guilty. One described being touched while she was sleeping during a childhood sleepover. Another recounted being subjected to inappropriate contact during a supposed disciplinary episode. Their accounts were included in the court’s record through an “other acts” motion and helped paint a broader picture of Sadewater’s behavior.

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Delgado described Sadewater as a manipulative predator who repeatedly targeted single mothers with young daughters and said he presented a continuing danger to the public.

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Defense attorney Brian Nelson urged the court to follow the plea agreement, arguing that Sadewater’s age and severe medical issues—including vascular dementia, heart disease, and limited mobility—make it unlikely he will live through a long prison term. He described his client as being wheelchair-bound and suffering significant cognitive decline.

Milisauskas acknowledged Sadewater’s age and health concerns but said they did not outweigh the gravity of the offenses.

“You do repeated sexual assaults with a child for a four-year period, you’re going to pay a price,” Milisauskas said. “Something like this doesn’t just go away. It affects the victim, their family, and everyone around them.”

Sadewater will be required to register as a sex offender for life and is barred from contacting the victim, the two women who came forward, or any minors. He is also prohibited from using internet dating sites. He received 129 days of credit for time served.

His expected release date, assuming full confinement, would be in 2040, when he would be 75 years old.

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