ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Florida Monday sentenced to life in prison a father who plotted with his wife to sexually abuse their children before they were born.
U.S. District4 Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr. said he decided to put Jonathan Adleta, 26, away for life because he had committed a "heinous" crime and he feared Adleta would offend again, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
"This defendant is guilty of ... the destruction and scarring of his own children," the judge said in giving Adleta two life terms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Gable called Adleta's acts "despicable and egregious."
Adleta was convicted Sept. 12 of transporting minors across a state line to engage in a sex act and conspiracy.
Authorities said Adleta had abused his son and daughter, and another woman's child. All the victims were 4 years old or younger.
He also commanded his wife and girlfriend to abuse children, recording the acts and distributing the pornographic images, the Sentinel said.
Adleta, a former U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan, had nothing to say when offered the opportunity to speak at his sentencing hearing, the newspaper said.
His ex-wife, Sarah Adleta, 29, who took part in the sexual abuse, was given a 54-year prison term after pleading guilty to using her children to make child pornography.
Jonathan Adleta's girlfriend, Samantha Bryant, 23, was found guilty of molestation charges last June for letting him abuse her child and was given consecutive 15- and 30-year prison terms.
