Westland Man Sentenced for Disturbing Assault
DETROIT – In a decision that has left many in the community shocked, a Westland man has been handed a prison sentence stemming from a troubling case of sexual assault involving a young boy. Paul Wheel Sposite, a man who once held a prominent position as the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, received a sentence of 17 months to 15 years in prison. The sentence was delivered on November 13 by Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kiefer Cox.
A Grave Incident
The charges against Sposite arose from a disturbing incident that occurred back in September 2018, at the Wayne Moose Lodge. A woman, who was present at the club, witnessed Sposite engaging in inappropriate behavior with a young boy. Alarmed by the sight, she recorded the incident on her phone. However, the situation took a strange turn when the child’s father asked her to delete the footage, believing there was nothing wrong with Sposite’s actions as he knew him personally.
The matter didn’t fully unravel until the child’s mother was informed later by the woman who witnessed the incident. Concerned for her son, she subsequently discovered a series of startling messages on her son’s phone sent by Sposite. Over the course of that summer, he had messaged the boy repeatedly—day and night—requesting that the child seek permission from his parents to visit him at home.
A Swell of Concern
The child’s father, having been alerted by his ex-wife, took the responsible step of reporting the incident to the police. As the investigation unfolded, a detective spoke with Sposite, during which he claimed that he had merely rubbed the boy’s back and ear while they were watching movies. He firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he had never touched this child or any other inappropriately. Sposite mentioned that he had faced accusations in the past, which were resolved through counseling.
Initially, the case was closed without criminal charges due to a lack of evidence, but in April 2022, the investigation was re-opened after the boy disclosed to his father that Sposite had in fact handled his private parts during that incident at the Moose Lodge. The police promptly sent the updated findings to the prosecutor’s office in May 2022, and a warrant was issued nearly two years later.
Arrest and Trial
Sposite was arrested on April 25, 2023, at the Notre Dame Hall of the Knights of Columbus, a location that, until then, had been a part of his community life. Following his trial, a jury found him guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree concerning a child under the age of 13. The court’s decision marked a long-awaited step toward justice for the young victim.
Defense attorney Nader Nassif declined to comment when reached by phone, leaving many to speculate about the implications of this case for Sposite and his associates.
A Community on Edge
This unsettling situation has not only triggered legal consequences for Sposite but has also raised concerns among local families about the safety of children in community spaces. As discussions continue in Westland and the surrounding areas, many are hopeful that this case will be a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the responsibility adults have to protect young ones in their care.
The sentencing of Paul Wheel Sposite is a stark reminder that, behind the doors of community organizations and clubs, serious issues can unfold and that every child’s safety should be a top priority.
