Rick L. Hinton Convicted molester Rick L. Hinton, 42, of rural Camden, was sentenced Friday by Carroll Circuit Judge Donald Currie to 28 years in prison, 10 suspended. Hinton pled guilty to seven Class C felony counts of child molesting on Feb. 17. He was arrested and charged with 13 counts of child molesting Sept. 19, 2005.

Currie listed aggravating factors as a prolonged period of molestation, violation of a position of trust with the victims, and not seeking help before moving to Indiana from Ohio after recognizing he had a problem.

Currie said mitigating factors were Hinton's limited education and that he was a child victim of molestation.

Defense attorney Patrick Manahan told the court that his client "saved harm and embarrassment of his victims" by pleading guilty and not making them endure a trial by jury. He told the court his client was "trying to be sympathetic" to his victims.

Manahan said by pleading guilty, Hinton saved the community and the court the time and expense of a trial. He stated Hinton had no criminal history.

"He pled guilty because it was the right thing for him to do and it was the moral thing for him to do," Manahan said.

Manahan said Hinton has "sincere remorse" and a "willingness for treatment." He also said due to his character and attitude he has a "limited chance to re-offend."

"My client has a genuine sense of remorse and has requested forgiveness from the Savior for his behavior," Manahan concluded.

County prosecutor Rob Ives told the judge that while it was true "the defendant has expressed remorse," by his own admission he demonstrated a history of criminal behavior "as evidenced by the facts exposed in the case." Ives pointed out Hinton "continues to be a danger to the residents and children of our community."

"By his own admission, he's had this sexual desire for a goodly amount of his life," Ives said.

Due to credit for time served and time for good behavior in prison, Hinton will serve approximately eight years of his sentence, according to Ives. "I think what the judge did was reasonable," Ives. "It was consistent with my expectations."

Ives invited audience members into the jury room upon conclusion of the hearing to give them the opportunity to ask questions.

"I often talk to juries after trials and sometimes family groups," Ives said.

He said letters received from members of Hinton's church congregation, the Old Order Brethren German Baptist Church, offered a range of opinions that were "varied."

All seven victims' families were present for the sentencing according to Ives. None testified.

After court Hinton returned to the county jail to await transfer to the Department of Correction.