Donald Copley sentenced to 60 years for raping nieces

Donald Copley sentenced to 60 years for raping nieces

Posted: Nov 26, 2012 5:48 PM EST

Updated: Dec 10, 2012 5:53 PM EST

IRONTON, Ohio -

A Proctorville man is going to spend the rest of his life in jail, after pleading guilty to raping his nieces multiple times over several years.

Prosecutors and the victims were preparing for a long trial against 69-year-old Donald Copley, but before the trial even began, Copley agreed to plead guilty without any plea deal.

Copley was sentenced in Lawrence County Court to 60 years in prison on several counts of rape against four females who were under the age of 13 at the time of the incidents.

The victims went to live with Copley when they were children, after their father, *Copley's brother*, was found guilty of sexually assaulting them.

"It was very important for the victims to have their day in court, and see that justice has finally been served, says Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Brigham Anderson, "This is something they lived their entire lives with, and they can put that chapter of their lives behind them hopefully, and move on."

Copley's wife, Beverly, is also facing charges.

She was originally charged with complicity to rape, but we are told those will be reduced to less severe charges later this week.