UPDATE: Former Caesar Rodney coach sentenced on sex charges

The former wrestling coach for a local high school, has been sentenced for his rape conviction.

Thursday morning, in a Kent County Superior Court courtroom, Richard “Dickie” Howell was sentenced to seven years, and 3 months, for sex abuse of child, and forth degree rape, for his having sex with a 17-year-old girl, including encounters at school and his home. Investigators reportedly found graphic photos and videos of Howell on the girl’s cellphone.

Back in February, Howell pleaded guilty to six of the counts that he was facing, after the 17-year-old girl came forward, claiming the two had sex over several months in 2014. Those charges were three counts of sexual abuse of a child by a person in a position of trust, each of which carries a minimum two-year sentence, and three counts of fourth-degree rape, a felony with no mandatory prison time. He was facing a maximum penalty of 120 years.

After the sentencing, the State’s Attorney Office told 47 ABC that they “respect” the judge’s decision.