DELAWARE, OH (WCMH) — A Delaware County man has been sentenced for sexually abusing his pre-teen stepdaughters.

According to Delaware County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien, David R. Morris, 42, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for sexually abusing his 11 and 12-year-old stepchildren. 

Morris was indicted in August of last years after the girls’ mother contacted law enforcement to report the sexual abuse of her two young children. 

“Mr. Morris used his position of trust as a parental figure to manipulate and abuse his stepdaughters,” said O’Brien. “After his arrest, he went so far as to tell detectives that the youngest victim was the aggressor.”

Morris pleaded guilty to three counts of rape with force, and two counts of gross sexual imposition. 

If Morris is ever released from prison, he will be classified as a Tier III sexual offender and serve an additional five years post release control.