A Jefferson man was sentenced to 75 years in prison for sexually abusing his daughter.

In Greene County District Court Monday, Judge James Drew handed down 47-year-old James Exline’s sentencing after a jury in Bremer County found him guilty in June of a Class B Felony for second degree sexual abuse and a Class C Felony for third degree sexual abuse. Judge Drew agreed with the prosecution’s recommendation that the maximum penalty be given and that Exline serve those years consecutively. Exline is required to serve a minimum of 85-percent of his 75-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Judge Drew called Exline’s crimes “irrationale” and something he said there’s “no figuring this thing out.” Lead prosecutor Assistant Iowa Attorney General Denise Timmins said Exline was a two-time convicted sex offender and was already on lifetime parole. Exline abused his 12-year-old daughter Paige Exline from June 2016 to April 2017. She was also one of two victims that died in a house fire in Guthrie Center in May of 2017.

Assistant Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn, who sat second chair for the prosecution, talked about his reaction once the sentencing was handed out.

“I think justice was served in this case. I think that’s the appropriate sentence, given the seriousness of the crime. And given the circumstances of this case, a 75 year prison sentence is the appropriate sentence.”

Laehn anticipates Exline to appeal the ruling, and he intends to work with the State Attorney General’s office on that process when and if it happens.