A Rathdrum 49-year-old who had sex with a 14-year-old, developmentally disabled girl will spend at least 10 years behind bars.

Alpha L. Roberts was sentenced Tuesday to between 10 and 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of lewd conduct with a child.

First District Judge Cynthia K.C. Meyer imposed the sentence despite a plea by Roberts’ attorney to allow Roberts, who has no criminal history, to be placed on probation.

Defense attorney Sean Walsh said his client was upstanding and middle class and that his presentence report — which judges use to help with sentencing decisions — showed a low chance to reoffend.

“On paper, he has a middle-class life,” Walsh said. “He is a homeowner. He is eager for treatment and has approached this with integrity.”

Roberts was arrested in April after investigators learned of at least two incidents in which Roberts allegedly fondled and had manual-genital conduct with a 14-year-old who has Asperger’s syndrome, according to police reports.

The victim told school administrators she was raped. Investigators set up a sting in which they used the victim’s phone to communicate with Roberts via text messages.

Deputy prosecutor Laura McClinton said there were five incidents, and there may have been another victim.

“At first he denied it, indicating the (victim) was a liar,” McClinton said.

Detectives monitored calls “where he admits he liked her touching him and telling her this is their secret, don’t tell anyone.”

McClinton said she didn’t think the court could protect the child if the defendant was on probation.

Meyer said that despite Roberts’ remorse, his lack of criminal history and the support he had from family and friends, “You molested (this child). I am not going to put you on probation.”