LAKE HAVASU CITY – A male adult who had sex with his teenage neighbor from California at his condominium in Lake Havasu City will spend one more month in jail. Glenn Costa, 44, was convicted of attempted sexual abuse in a plea agreement that dismissed charges involving sexual conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Court proceedings revealed that the victim was 13 years old when she first met Costa as they were (and still are) next door neighbors in a southern California community. Costa and the victim’s parents became friends and socialized.
The girl’s father spoke at Costa’s Sept. 22 sentencing hearing. Chris Cole said that the neighbors together enjoyed family functions and jet ski and golf outings. He said learning that his friend was having sex with his underage daughter and used a ruse to drive to Lake Havasu to spend time with him was devastating and shocking.
“I had no idea. I feel like a failure as a father,” Cole said. “I feel betrayed (by Costa) and like the friendship was just for pretend.”
Costa apologized but had very few words for Cole or the Court.
“Hopefully they’ll find it in their hearts to forgive me some day,” Costa said.
Defense attorney Michael Wozniak told Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle that his client is not a pedophile as he has no interest in children, but apparently is attracted to older teenage girls.
The plea agreement capped jail time at a year and Judge Carlisle ordered 45 days of incarceration while crediting the defendant for 15 days served. Costa was also placed on probation for three years.
Wozniak noted that Costa faces potential legal trouble for alleged involvement with the same victim in their home state. He said perceived leniency in Arizona may be offset by consequence to the west.
“My client is currently facing similar charges in California,” Wozniak said. He indicated Costa has already been ordered there to have no contact with the girl.
