Marion man sentenced to four years in sexual abuse case involving two children

A Marion man was sentenced to fours years in prison after pleading to lesser charges last year for sexually abusing two young girls in 2009.

Steve Robins, 66, pleaded guilty in September to two counts of indecent contact with a child, both aggravated misdemeanors. He is accused of sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl and a 10-year-old girl in separate incidents.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns asked the court to run each of the two-year prison terms consecutively based on the serious nature of the offense and because there were two victims.

Burns said the charges were amended from second-degree sexual abuse to prevent further harm t0 the 4-year-old by making her go through a trial.

Burns said in his motion for the amended trial information that significant progress has been made in the child's mental health therapy. Her health care professionals believe a "public trial where she has to recount her abuse could lead to significant regression and harm to the child's mental state."

The state must prosecute each crime to the fullest extent but it must also be aware of the far reaching effects, Burns said in the motion. There must be justice for both the accused and the victim, and in this case subjecting the child to a trial wouldn't be in the interest of justice.

Burns said Robins admitted to the abuse, and "this type of behavior warrants a prison sentence."

Tyler Johnston, Robins' attorney, said Robins had no previous criminal history and he needs treatment, not jail time.

Robins said he was "terribly sorry" and was willing to get some help.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill said these are "heinous offenses" and he didn't think probation was appropriate. Robins admitted to the abuse and there are consequences for his actions, Thorhill said.

Robins also will be required to register as a sex offender.