Convicted sex abuser gets prison sentence

A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl over several months.

Robert Allen Meyer on Dec. 18 pleaded no contest to three counts of felony child molestation, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Deputy District Attorney Merrill Hoult prosecuted the case.

Authorities learned of the sexual abuse on May 20. Prosecutors said Meyer had been living with the child’s family as a house guest.

After Meyer entered his no contest plea, Superior Court Judge Linda McFadden sentenced him.

The girl and her mother spoke in court during the sentencing hearing, describing how Meyer’s actions affected their lives. Members of a nonprofit child advocacy group Bikers Against Child Abuse were in the courtroom to support the victim.

Once he is released from prison, Meyer will be required to register as a sex offender.

This story was originally published January 2, 2015 at 9:22 AM with the headline "Convicted sex abuser gets prison sentence."