Lawrence man pleads guilty to child sex crimes

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez today announced that Stephen Tyler Wampler, 28, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Charges stemmed from incidents in July 2022 when Wampler provided alcohol to the then 15-year-old girl and attempted to engage in sexual intercourse with the minor while at his home. Wampler was employed as the minor’s manager at a Lawrence fast food restaurant at the time of the crime.

“We will use the full resources of our office to prosecute those who hurt our most vulnerable,” said Deputy District Attorney Joshua Seiden, who represented the state. “The young survivor showed immense courage in reporting the crime and we thank her and the Lawrence Police Department for helping to ensure that justice is delivered.” 

The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department.

Sentencing was set by Judge Sally Pokorny for 3 p.m. on December 6, 2023 at the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center. 

Wampler, who will be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender, faces up to 136 months in prison for each count of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child and up to 17 months in prison for furnishing alcohol to a minor.