Natural life plus 14 years. That’s the sentence handed down this afternoon in the sexual assault case of 53 year old Adam Vaira of Mt. Carmel. Vaira was convicted by a Wabash County Jury on August 5th of six sex crimes against family members. The charges included two Class X felonies of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and four Class 2 felony charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse from incidents that occurred between May 1st 2000 and December 10th, 2002.

The charges were filed last year by State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman after Veira’s ex-wife contacted Mt. Carmel Police who turned the investigation over the Illinois State Police. Judge Michael Valentine sentenced Vaira to natural life on the Class X felonies, 7 years on three Class 2 felonies, and another 7 years on the sixth charge. The two 7 year sentences are to be served consecutively after the natural life term.

Before the sentencing hearing, Valentine denied defense attorney Melissa Doran’s motion for a new trial.

During this summer’s trial, family members testified as to the particulars of the sex crimes Vaira committed when the victims were under the age of 13.