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Man convicted of sexually abusing veterans sentenced to more than 15 years

Posted at 12:57 PM, Nov 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-03 19:13:39-04

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Mark Wisner, a former physician assistant at the Eastern Kansas VA Hospital in Leavenworth, was sentenced Friday to 15 and a half years for sexually abusing veterans. 

In August, Wisner was found guilty of criminal sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and three counts of sexual battery. 

On Friday, Wisner's attorney asked for a new trial, which the court denied. The defense also asked for mercy, based on Wisner's age, which was also denied. 

Two victims provided written statements which were read aloud in court. A third victim was in court and read his statement aloud. 

Darren Mathis looked directly at Wisner during his emotional 25-minute-long statement, while Wisner stared down at the table.

Mathis said Wisner’s sex abuse nearly ruined his life. 

“You tried to destroy me for your pleasure,” Mathis told Wisner. “You gained my trust and continued to do more extensive, invasive exams on me.”

Mathis went on to say he forgives Wisner: “I am strong. You won’t break me.”

Wisner was a physician assistant before surrendering his license in 2015. 

Court documents revealed Wisner admitted to a VA investigator he crossed the line. 

He confessed to performing an excessive amount of genital exams, which were often unnecessary. He also over-prescribed opiates to veterans and didn't keep an accurate log of visits and records to avoid getting caught.

Dozens of other veterans have accused Wisner of sexual abuse.

The VA is also facing numerous lawsuits for allegedly not doing more to protect veterans.

Wisner has been in jail since the case broke in 2015. 

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