Soliciting underage prostitute gets former mayoral candidate 7 months in jail

Two men, including a former Penticton mayoral candidate, pleaded guilty to soliciting in a high profile case of child sexual exploitation Thursday.

Benny Wolfe, 68, and Ken Toovey, 56, were sentenced in Penticton Provincial Court on charges of obtaining sexual services of a person under the age of 18. Wolfe was sentenced to seven months in prison and will also serve two years probation following his incarceration.

Wolfe admitted to hiring the 17-year-old girl on a weekly basis from May to July, 2011. Toovey was handed a six-month sentence followed by one year's probation. He was busted on July 22, 2011. 

The girl was being prostituted by her stepfather next to the Penticton Soupateria. He was arrested in July, 2011, has since pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

In addition to jail time both men were ordered to have no contact with the girl and never be within 100 metres of her residence, school or workplace throughout their probation.

Both men were ordered to have no contact with the girl and never be within 100 metres of her residence, school or workplace throughout their probation. They must also avoid being within 100 metres of the Martin and Orchard Avenue intersection, unless driving by in a vehicle.