(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man convicted of sex crimes involving two children under the age of 12 has been sentenced to more than five years in prison.
Brown County District Judge John Weingart sentenced 46-year-old Ross Bruce Monday to 61 months in prison on each of two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and then ordered the sentences be served at the same time.
Prior to sentencing, Bruce tearfully told the court, filled with a large group of supporters, he was sorry for his actions. He pleaded " no contest" to the charges last month.
County Attorney Kevin Hill had requested a sentence of 122 months in prison, noting the crimes involved two separate victims ages 6 and 11 spanning about a six year time period.
Bruce will be subject to lifetime post release supervision and lifetime registration as a sex offender. He was given credit for 151 days served in jail.
His court appointed attorney, Andy Delaney, said Bruce had sought help from a treatment center for his actions, which lead to an investigation and his ultimate conviction.
Bruce was arrested in April following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.
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