A Carbon County man was sentenced to a long state prison term on Monday after previously admitting he sexually assaulted two young girls.

Judge Joseph J. Matika sentenced William Joseph Pedroza, 43, of Albrightsville, to serve nine to 16 years in a state correctional institution on two counts of aggravated indecent assault on a person less than 13 years of age.

Before imposing the sentence, Matika said he would not go along with the stipulation reached between Pedroza and the district attorney’s office of a minimum of five and a half years in prison stating Pedroza committed a “dastardly act” on the two victims, adding, “you stole the innocence of these girls.”

In exchange for the plea the district attorney’s office agreed to drop counts of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault and corruption of a minor.

State police at Fern Ridge were called to the Pocono Medical Center, East Stroudsburg, on June 30, 2015, to a report of a sexual assault incident. On scene troopers learned that an 11-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted at a residence along Nosirrah Road in Penn Forest Township.

While investigating the case, troopers learned another 11-year-old girl may also have been sexually assaulted by Pedroza. They interviewed that girl and she said he had sexually assaulted her.

Defense Attorney Paul J. Levy, of the public defender’s office, said his client was looking for forgiveness from the victim’s family but realizes this type of offense is “the worst of the worst.”

Pedroza told the court, “I made peace with God. I know he will take care of me.” He said he knows that he caused great pain and injury to the victims, adding, “I’m only human and I made a mistake.” He said, “I hope the victims can forgive me one day.”

Assistant District Attorney Brian Gazo, who prosecuted the case, said the crime was “appalling.” He said that the victims “have to live with this the rest of their life.” He said the only thing he could say positive about the defendant was that he cooperated “after he was caught.”

Gazo said he believed if it wasn’t for the victims coming forward, Pedroza would have continued his conduct with them.

The mother of a victim spoke briefly, telling Pedroza, “No one cares that you are sorry.” She also called her daughter a hero for coming forward and also for reporting the incidents involving the other victim.

At a prior proceeding, Matika determined that Pedroza was a sexually violent predator, according to the guidelines of Megan’s Law, and must register for life as a sexual offender.

Matika also ruled that Pedroza must submit to a sexual offender evaluation, render a total of 200 hours of community service when paroled, have no contact with the victims or their families, make total restitution of $2,636.38 for expenses including the victims fund and counseling for the victims.

Pedroza, who has been in prison since his arrest, was given credit for 839 days spent in jail to date on the charges.