A former gym coach who had sex with a 15-year-old girl at La Jolla Shores was sentenced Wednesday to one year in jail and must register as a sex offender for life.
Patrick Jay Wehrung, 25, was given credits of already serving 132 days and his projected release date was set for Nov. 21, according to the sheriff’s department.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Dan Link placed him on three years probation and sternly warned him not to have any contact with her again. “If you dare to contact her while you’re on probation, you will get prison,” said Link. “Do not have contact with her. This relationship is done,” said Link.
The judge and Deputy District Attorney Nicole Roth both noted Wehrung was jailed May 27 after he sent an Instagram message to her in violation of his release conditions. Wehrung had been free on $80,000 bond after his Feb. 9 arrest by San Diego Police.
House arrest and work furlough were ruled out by Link as options. He was fined approximately $1,500.
Wehrung pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, oral copulation with a minor, and digital penetration of a juvenile. He could have received five years and four months in prison.
“I don’t think you fully understand,” said Link to Wehrung. “One of her first sexual experiences is now confined to you. She’s been affected dramatically.”
Link told Wehrung that because the girl was 15 years old, she could not consent to sex legally. Wehrung, wearing jail clothing, said nothing.
The victim, now 16, and her mother were in the crowded courtroom audience but did not say anything.
He met the 15-year-old girl at Champion Gymnastics & Cheer, a gym in Santee where he used to work. He was fired after his Feb. 9 arrest. All of the sexual activity took place at La Jolla Shores.
“Hopefully, he will reflect on the consequences of his actions,” said Roth afterwards.
Wehrung is serving his term at the South Bay Detention Facility.