Oler Faces Five Life Sentences

Christopher Oler received five life sentences Thursday during a hearing in the Blaine County Courthouse.

Oler was found guilty in early November on three counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12 years of age, two charges of first-degree rape, one on a victim less than 14 years old, two counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child less than 16 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of child pornography.

The victim did not appear at the sentencing, not because she was disinterested, but, according to Assistant District Attorney Jenna Brown, to avoid infliction of more trauma.

Brown also pointed out that although there were eight abuse counts, they did not represent eight events, but crimes committed over years and years of abuse. She asked the court for the sentences suggested by the jurors to run consecutively – back-to-back – rather than concurrently, which means at the same time.

Oler’s attorney, Rob Mossberg, asked that the sentences run concurrently.

But when Judge Paul Woodward made his announcement, Oler was to serve five back-to-back life terms, plus two 20-year terms, one 10-year term and one 3year term. The crimes call for 85% of the sentences to be served before parole can be considered.

Mossberg told the court he would be filing for an appeal on the case. He later said the appeal was on the guilty verdicts, claiming the trial was unfair and some rulings during the case were improper.

The case will go to the appeals court which will decide whether the rulings constitute an unfair trial. If not, the sentence will commence, and if they are deemed unfair a second trial will be held. Mossberg said he did not anticipate requesting a change of venue for the second trial if it is granted.