Man Who Abused Sisters Sentenced To Six Months Baby Sitter Also Admits Molesting Five Other Girls

A Plymouth man has been ordered to spend six months in jail and enter a treatment program in a child sexual abuse case so emotional, the judge wiped away tears during sentencing.

Daniel James Keller, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree child molestation involving two sisters, ages 8 and 11.

Court documents show he admitted sexually abusing at least five other preteen girls, often while babysitting, over a five-month period.

At the sentencing Friday in Benton County Superior Court, spectators were scanned with metal detectors because of reported death threats against Keller.

At one point, the father of one of Keller’s victims bolted from his chair, cursed Keller and had to be restrained by guards.

The girls’ family members wept, and even Judge Carolyn Brown paused twice to wipe her eyes.

Under a plea agreement, Keller’s 8-1/2-year prison sentenced was suspended, and he was ordered to attend a three-year outpatient treatment program for sex offenders and spend six months in jail.

The deal was negotiated at least in part to spare the girls the ordeal of testifying at trial, prosecutors said. A counselor also found Keller amenable to treatment.

“I fully understand the anguish of the victims in this case and their families, who are also victims,” Brown said.

“But I cannot act from a strictly emotional base. I am not allowed to do so. I must stand between this man and vengeance. And I do.”

But the girls’ father urged Keller to impose the maximum sentence.

“This guy needs a maximum sentence. No ifs, ands or buts about it,” he said. “He’s taken my children, and I don’t know how many others.”

During the hearing, the 11-year-old girl tried to read a letter to the court, but broke down. The judge read the letter for her.

“What this man did to us deserves every little thing he gets,” the child wrote. “I hope this man will never be free again so he can hurt any other kids like he hurt me.”

The girls’ father also addressed the court, but midway through his statement he leaped toward Keller, who was sitting 10 feet away, and cursed him.

Defense attorney Jim Egan urged Brown to stick with the negotiated plea.

Keller spoke only briefly to the judge.

“I’m just sorry,” he said.