A 19-year-old North Platte man will spend the next five to ten years in prison for sexually assaulting two young girls.

Christopher Russell was sentenced by Lincoln County District Court Judge Donald Rowlands on Monday.

Russell was convicted of two counts of Attempted Sexual Assault of a Child after pleading no contest in a plea deal with prosecutors.

Prosecutors say Russell had a sexual relationship with two girls under the age of 16 earlier this year.

Russell’s attorney, Martin Troshynski, said Russell has consistently admitted to one of the charges and denied the other from the time he first met with law enforcement.   Troshynski believes that personal matters between Russell and the second victim lead to her allegations against him.

Rowland’s noted that Russell had a minimal criminal record, prior to sentencing, but also said the court takes a strong stance against people over the age of 19 who target minors for sex.

An evaluation by a local mental health professional deemed that while Russell wasn’t a pedophile, he had an attraction to much younger girls.  It was also determined Russell was a moderate risk to re-offend.

Russell received five to ten year sentences on both counts which will be served concurrently.  He must also register as a sex offender.

Nebraska law prohibits anyone 19 or older from having sex with anyone under 16.