A 23-year-old St. Joseph man will serve up to two decades in prison for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl. Investigators say Jeffery Nash was the youngster’s babysitter.

As we reported, Nash pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree statutory sodomy last month. On Monday a judge heard from the victim’s mother, who called Nash a “monster.” Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kate Schaefer said the abuse continued over an extended period of time.

Schaefer told the judge the defendant’s young age should not be a factor in his sentencing decision. Schaefer  She asked for a 30-year prison sentence.

Defense lawyer Shariece Canady asked for a ten-year sentence, saying the defendant’s age should be considered. Canady pointed out that Nash has no prior offenses on his record, that he admitted committing the crime and has taken responsibility for it. Nash told the judge he was sorry for what he did.

Circuit Judge Patrick Robb said this was not an isolated incident, and the only reason the abuse stopped was because the six-year-old child reported it to her mom. Robb ordered a 20-year prison sentence. Nash must serve at least 85% of the sentence before he can be considered for parole. He must register as a sex-offender and be subject to supervision of the state for the rest of his life.