Child Molester Faces Minimum 25-Year Sentence

[/caption] A 22-year-old Kalispell man convicted of sexually molesting a 9-year-old girl faces between 25 years to life in prison under a Montana law passed in 2007.

Thomas Nichols will serve at least 25 years under Montana's "Jessica's Law" that sets mandatory minimum sentences for violent crimes and sexual abuse of children.

Nichols was convicted Thursday in Flathead District Court of sexual assault and sexual intercourse without consent.

Deputy County Attorney Lori Adams says it's the first time the Flathead County Attorney's Office has obtained a conviction on a Jessica's Law case.

Montana's law is modeled after a law passed in Florida following the 2005 kidnapping, rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl.

Nichols is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 19.

Associated Press