Professor Admits Molesting Boy

RALEIGH — April 21, 1996, 9:55 a.m. EST In a daylong sentencing hearing in Wake County Superior Court, Denis Wood admitted guilt in the molesting of a teenage boy who had lived with the Wood family. Wood, who has been a design professor at N.C. State University since 1974, was sentenced to six years in prison.

Wood pleaded guilty to taking indecent liberties with a minor and crimes against nature.

The victim, now 20, said Wood first abused him seven years ago, swearing him to silence. Then, when the victim's parents were unable to provide care, Wood invited the boy to live with his family. The victim said Wood referred to him as his "project," and abused him more than 130 times.

NCSU removed Wood from the classroom after his arrest last September.

In February, Wood was also charged with attempting to intimidate the victim with phone calls and by visits to the victim's workplace. That charge is still pending