Wealthy pilot from Washington state sentenced to 25 years for molesting at least 17 boys

Washington pilot gets 25 years for molesting boys

TACOMA, Wash. — A wealthy Bonney Lake, Wash., pilot who used money, alcohol and manipulation to molest more than a dozen boys has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Weldon Marc Gilbert, who worked as a pilot for UPS, was sentenced Monday in Tacoma by U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle.

In a sentencing memo, prosecutors wrote that the 49-year-old Gilbert remains “incapable of real remorse” for the damage he did to at least 17 boys as young as 10.

Gilbert tearfully apologized during the sentencing hearing. He earlier pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, transporting a minor across state lines for illegal sexual activity and obstruction of justice.

Under the plea agreement, a helicopter, two cars, a float plane, a boat and some property belonging to Gilbert will be forfeited and sold, with the proceeds placed in a fund for the victims.