FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A convicted Ferndale child rapist has been handed down a lengthy prison sentence.

38-year-old Jonah Blevins will spend nearly 15 and a half years to life in prison after pleading guilty in June to second-degree child rape and molestation. Six similar charges were dropped as part of a plea deal.

Blevins repeatedly molested and raped a child he was babysitting for several years. The victim told investigators that Blevins “groomed” him into believing that there was nothing wrong with the ongoing assaults. Blevins frequently rewarded the victim with video games, vapes and food if he complied.

During an ER visit, the victim learned that he likely contracted a sexually transmitted disease from Blevins.

If released from prison, Blevins will also be required to be under community supervision for three years and register as a sex offender.