U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler released the federal sentencing results for 47-year-old Palmer man, Robert Cunningham, who was convicted on six counts of child sexual exploitation crimes on Tuesday.

Cunningham received the maximum sentence of 50 years on two counts as well as another 30 years on an additional four counts. His sentences are to run concurrently.

Cunningham was recently sentenced in state court as well. In that September sentencing, Cunningham received a sentence of 88 years in prison with 15 years probation if he ever got out of prison , which is extremely unlikely. Cunningham had entered into a plea deal in the state case.

Cunningham had initially been indicted on 41 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor I, five counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor II, and two counts of possession of Child Pornography. After that indictment, Cunningham fled the state, but was apprehended in Oregon by police there, and extradited back to Alaska to face the charges.

Cunningham pled guilty to two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor and one count of Child Pornography in a plea agreement with the state.

Cunningham’s extensive prison sentences stem from of an investigation that began in 2013 into reports of sex crimes committed by Cunningham on a six-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl that spanned a period of over ten years.

Cunningham’s federal court case involved production of child pornography connected with the same two children during a period between 2002 and 2003.

Cunningham, with his imposing presence-he weighs 300 pounds and stands 6’5″, coerced the children to do as he wished. He also used nitrous oxide to make his little victims compliant. That 56-gallon nitrous oxide canister and mask used to administer the substance to the children was exhibited in court during sentencing.

Saying that the use of nitrous on the children bordered on torture, Judge Sharon Gleason stated that life-long incarceration was required. Gleason said in court, “There is no feasible way to protect the public at whatever age [Cunningham] might be.”

Loeffler said in a statement, “The lengthy sentence in this case reflects the horrendous victimization perpetrated on innocent victims by Cunningham. Working with our law enforcement partners to protect children is a top priority and a constant mission.”

Cunningham had previously been convicted and sentenced for child pornography charges in 2001.

  sexual abuse