DANBURY — A 73-year-old Newtown man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing four children has been sentenced to six years in prison.
The News-Times reports that Richard Saunders was charged with assaulting the children while he watched them for a family member who was undergoing potentially life-threatening medical procedures. He was sentenced Wednesday after previously pleading guilty to charges including third-degree sexual assault.
Saunders apologized during his sentencing hearing, and his attorney noted that he immediately admitted to his actions after being arrested.
The attorney said Saunders developed a sexual attraction to young children later in life. He said a doctor suggested the urges could be a sign of dementia, but prosecutors said follow-up tests showed no evidence of dementia.