Although acknowledging Deane had accomplished some good in his life — he did mission work for his church, among other things — the judge suggested that Deane’s “other dark life” outweighed the positives.

Although he was sentenced for abusing six girls, Deane admitted to a psychologist who interviewed him as part of a psycho-sexual evaluation that he victimized at least 12 girls, Chesterfield prosecutor Erin Barr told the court. Some were as young as 4.

“This was 16 years of ongoing criminal behavior,” Barr said in urging punishment above the sentencing guidelines.

Reading from a lengthy, prepared statement, Deane apologized for his behavior, saying he destroyed the integrity of his life and undermined the sanctity of the families whose children he victimized.

Deane said at one point during the 330 days he so far has spent behind bars, he was overcome with guilt and shame and fell into a deep state of darkness. “The blessed life I knew was over,” he said.

Speaking to his victims and their families, some of whom were in the courtroom, Deane said, “I will continue to pray for you all daily as I work on my own mental health.”