POTTSVILLE — A 21-year-old Tamaqua man will spend up to 40 years behind bars for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl.

Antonio Lee Bretado, who in June was convicted of charges stemming from the alleged Feb. 6 attack, appeared for his sentencing Thursday before Schuylkill County Judge Christopher W. Hobbs.

A jury on June 13 found Bretado guilty of the following charges: two counts of aggravated indecent assault on a child; one crime each of aggravated indecent assault on a person under 13 and corruption of minors; and the offenses of indecent assault on a person under 13 and indecent assault on a mentally disabled person.

On the first two counts, Hobbs ordered the defendant to serve consecutive terms of 10 to 20 years each in a state correctional facility.

Bretado also received seven to 14 months for each of the misdemeanor charges to run concurrently with the first sentence.

He was also ordered to serve two years of probation following his conviction.

Bretado was ordered to pay $5,202 in restitution to the state police crime lab, in addition to other court costs.

Hobbs ordered the defendant to undergo a mental health evaluation and receive recommended treatment while incarcerated.

Bretado, who remains locked up in the county jail on $100,000 bond, will receive credit for time served beginning Feb. 28.

“You’re going to need a lot of time in state prison, Mr. Bretado,” the judge said, “I hope you get better and get the treatment you need.”

Before sentencing, Bretado read from a prepared statement, expressing hope for a lighter sentence than the one recommended by the Commonwealth.

Bretado deflected blame for the incident and said he hoped to be released from prison in his 20s.

He cited his “one last reason to live” as his fiancée, with whom he aspires to spend a life after his release.

Bretado was represented by public defender Jacqueline M. Pitts.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew T. Bench represented the prosecution.