Jail time for wife in Colusa child porn case

She won’t serve the equivalent of her husband’s sentence, but Rachel Wolfenbarger will spend time behind bars for failing to notify police her spouse – William Wolfenbarger – was attempting to create child pornography by filming a Colusa County minor.

Judge Elizabeth Ufkes Oliveira sentenced Rachel Wolfenbarger to probation with 90 days in jail; but according to the District Attorney’s Office, she’ll likely only serve 45 days. She was taken into custody after sentencing on Tuesday.

Wolfenbarger didn’t confirm or deny the child endangerment charges against her and opted to plead no contest during her May 9 hearing.

The FBI collaborated with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department during the investigation into Rachel Wolfenbarger and her husband.

FBI agents were able to pull text messages and video footage from a cell phone and alleged Rachel Wolfenbarger knew her husband was filming a minor for the purpose of creating child pornography. The materials were considered during her conviction, but were not factored into her husband’s case.

“I think this is a case where you see someone seeking a love life at the expense of a child’s safety,” said Brendan Farrell, chief deputy district attorney. “This office will prosecute anyone who puts a child in harm’s way to pursue a selfish lifestyle.”

Considering the available evidence, Farrell said the sentence is a favorable outcome. But, he said, the sentence won’t erase the impact on the targeted child and family.

“I wish I could do more, but since there was no physical injury to the child, according to the law, we couldn’t seek a longer sentence,” he said.

William Wolfenbarger was sentenced to two years in prison for possessing thousands of child pornography images on his computer.