A 70-year-old Hutchinson man who avoided trial and entered a no contest pleas to three counts of aggravated solicitation of a child was given the maximum sentence Friday by District Judge Trish Rose.

That meant 34-months on each count and consecutive sentencing for Don Adams, but because of what is called the double-rule, the total number of months in prison comes to 68-months or roughly five and half years in prison.

The defense called Clinical Psychologist Kathy Nichols who testified that she had problems with the way the recorded interviews were handled with the three children. District Attorney Keith Schroeder objected stating the testimony is irrelevant in a sentencing hearing, and he told the judge that even if they were at trial, it would be inadmissible. Defense Attorney Kelli Driscoll argued that they have a right to present evidence on behalf of their client. Judge Rose told the prosecutor that she wanted to hear anything the defense had to present and over ruled the objection.

Dr. Nichols testified that those who did the interviews with the children didn’t use the proper protocols when interviewing kids in this situation.

After her testimony, they then called three witnesses who told the judge that they never felt scared when they were around Adams when they were kids. Again, Schroeder objected calling irrelevant, and at one point, said the state would stipulate that the defendant didn’t sexually assault every child he met. But, again the judge sided with the defense and let the three women testify.

Then came the victim’s family members, including both parents. The father told the court of moving his family across town in the cold to get away from the man he once considered a good friend. He says Don Adams is not a man, but a monster, and a rapist. He says life has not been easy for his family since it came to light what he did to his kids. His wife told the judge that he stole his daughters innocence when he sexually assaulted them. Also speaking was the victims grandparents and an aunt. Then the three victims told the trauma they suffered at the hands of Adams.

As part of a plea deal, the state drops 6-other counts against Don Adams including rape, three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and three counts of aggravated intimidation of witness or victim. Schroeder told the judge that he believes Adams got a break when he made the plea deal and wanted the maximum sentence handed down.

The defense wanted a border box finding and have him placed on some type of court supervision, such as community corrections.

Had the case gone to trial, some of the charges against him would have fallen under Jessica’s Law provisions which could have meant life with no parole for 25-years. But, Schroeder told us that even when he gets out of prison, he may be sent to the Sexually Violent Predator Unit, which means he may never see the outside again.

The three victims in the case pointed out Adams as the one who molested them while they were visiting his home on the east side of Hutchinson. The three young girls, ranged in age from 7- to-11 years of age at the time of the alleged crimes which occurred between June 1, 2008, and December 3, 2009.