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Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Girl

Darrel Meyer was convicted of sexually abusing a girl for six years. His sentence could keep the 64-year-old in prison for the rest of his life.

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Reporter: Jacki Ochoa

Man Sentenced For Sexually Abusing Girl
Meyer Sentenced

Darrel Meyer was convicted of sexually abusing a girl for six years. His sentence could keep the 64-year-old in prison for the rest of his life.

During his sentencing on Wednesday afternoon, Judge Leigh Ann Retelsdorf wanted to spare everyone the horrible details of what happened. But she did say that Meyer manipulated the victim, groomed her, threatened her and sexually assaulted her on an almost weekly basis from the ages of 6 to 11.

"Anytime you see a case where somebody hurts a child or does these types of crimes to a child, it's horrific and unimaginable," Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said. "Sometimes, it's hard to even imagine how someone could be capable of doing these types of things."

For the mother of the little girl who was the victim, it was hard to restrain herself. In the hallway, she lashed out at supporters of Darrell Meyer. "How dare you sit there and shake your head. He's a freakin' pervert! He raped my daughter for years, and you want to sit and support his ass?"

He bought her gifts in exchange for her silence.

"They're paying a price for the rest of their lives -- and have already for the damage and suffering he made them go through," said Kleine.

Before sentencing, he apologized to the court and said he was a sex addict who is undergoing treatment.

Judge Retelsdorf: "From day one Mr. Meyer you understood what you were doing. That's why you bought her gifts...you used her for your personal gratification."

Meyer was given a minimum of 30 years in prison. He has no chance at reducing that with good behavior. That would make him 94 before he is eligible for parole.

Meyer was the founder of a youth football league -- the Omaha Chiefs. His victim was not involved with the league.