Associated Press - October 16, 2009 10:05 AM ET

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A 72-year-old former truck driver has been sentenced to between 12 and 20 years in prison for molesting a 6-year-old girl.

Arlo Ernest Benbo, who pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual abuse of a minor, was sentenced by Natrona County District Judge Scott Skavdahl Thursday.

Assistant District Attorney Dan Itzen said after the child reported the abuse in June, Benbo claimed she had initiated sexual contact. Itzen said that showed the elderly man had not accepted responsibility for his crimes.

Public Defender Traci Lacock said Benbo did take some responsibility, and noted that he had health problems and almost no criminal history.

Information from: Casper Star-Tribune - Casper, http://www.trib.com

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