Curtis Crittenden, the former head of Tooele County's 4-H program, will serve to six to 30 years in prison for fondling four young boys in his home.

Crittenden, a Heber City native, pleaded guilty last month to three counts of forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony, and three counts of sexual abuse of a child, also a second-degree felony, for inviting four young boys to spend the night in his home and then fondling them while they slept.

According to the charging documents, Crittenden, 32, inappropriately touched the boys, ages 12 to 14, while they slept at his house on different occasions between June 1 and June 28. All four of the boys were Spanish-speaking students from Wendover. Crittenden is fluent in Spanish, having served an LDS mission in Guatemala.

Defense attorney Scott Broadhead asked that his client be sent to the Utah State Prison for a diagnostic evaluation and then given the possibility for probation, citing the many friends and family members who supported Crittenden.

"There are many parts of his life where he is very good," Broadhead said.

Crittenden, who has a master's degree and worked for the Utah State University extension service, routinely hosted sleep-overs at his house although the practice was against 4-H program policy.

The case came to light when one of the boys reportedly told his soccer coach that Crittenden had come into the room where the boys were sleeping and touched him under his clothing, waking him up. The three other boys reported the same thing had happened to them on different occasions.

Although no member of the victims' families was present in the courthouse, they sent a letter to be read on their behalf by Tooele County Victim and Witness Advocate Holly Johnson. The families stated in the letter that they regarded Crittenden as a member of their family and admired him.

"You did not consider your love for us," the letter read in regard to the defendant's actions.

Denise Court, a soccer coach who was told by the boys of the abuse, also spoke on behalf of the victims and their families.

"Curtis put himself in a position of leadership knowing he had a problem," Court said. "He chose this because he could hide the abuse. The [the victims' families] are frightened of the legal system and do not trust white people."

She added that the boys did trust Crittenden, and that trust was broken. Court now fears for the victims and their future.

"They are hurt and confused. They boys need a chance to heal, grow up and move on," Court said, adding that the court consider the position of trust that Crittenden was in.

County Attorney Doug Hogan said that Crittenden's confession to the police and consequent guilty plea was not lost on the state, however the very nature of the offense was what was most troubling.

"He knew he had these impulses," Hogan said. "When you read his version of the accounts [you can see] he planned this out."

The state recommended 5 to 40 years for Crittenden.

Crittenden had a chance to address the court. He apologized to the families and said the greatest loss for him was the loss of the victims' trust and friendship. He added he was sad because he could no longer work with children.

Judge Mark Kouris said there were so many contradictions in the case it was puzzling.

"You are obviously a smart guy," Kouris said. "Why didn't you seek help?" he asked.

"I was afraid of losing what I'm losing now," Crittenden told the court.

Crittenden was sentenced to 1 to 15 years for the three counts of sex abuse of a child, and 1 to 15 years for the three counts of forcible sex abuse, all second degree felonies. The terms are to be served consecutively. The combined charges have a cap of 30 years.