(PUEBLO WEST, Colo.) — A Pueblo West man has been sentenced to a minimum of 10 years to life in the Department of Corrections (DOC) for the sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child that began when the child was 12 and lasted for 12 years. 77-year-old William Plymell was originally arrested in July 2022 following a months-long investigation in which investigators learned Plymell had sexually assaulted and exploited a girl when she was 12 years old and had continued to do so until she was 24. Plymell was released on bond in 2022, but was taken into custody in 2024 after pleading guilty to sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Pueblo West man arrested for child sex assault A search warrant also revealed Plymell was in possession of child sexual assault material involving the same victim. Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriff's Office “Protecting the children in our community is a top priority of our agency and while no sentence can undo the harm that was caused to this child, this sentence ensures that he will never have the chance to harm another child again,” said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero. The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) said the indeterminate sentence imposes a minimum of 10 years but could extend to life. The DOC will ultimately determine when/if Plymell may be eligible for parole.