Sonoman likely to spend rest of life in prison in molest case

A Sonoma man who sexually molested an 8-year-old relative was sentenced Thursday to spend what will amount to the rest of his life in prison.

Kenneth Donald Hutchins, 65, was ordered to serve consecutive terms of more than eight years and 55-to-life by Judge Dana Simonds, who rejected his plea for leniency.

He was convicted in December of molesting the girl in 2012 while he was helping her mother with child care. The girl testified Hutchins plied her with toys and beer and instructed her to keep it a secret.

Hutchins was arrested after the girl's 14-year-old brother reported the abuse to their mother.

Hutchins' lawyer, Amy Chapman, asked Simonds to consider a 25-year term that would allow Hutchins to seek parole when he is 90. Hutchins had no prior criminal record, Chapman said.

But Simonds declined, citing Hutchins' lack of remorse and refusal to accept responsibility. She said he showed his awareness of guilt when he shaved off all his body hair to prevent detectives from taking samples.

"To me it's mind-boggling that Mr. Hutchins completely denies this happened," Simonds said.