BETHEL -- A recidivist sex offender has been sentenced to 99 years in prison for sexual assault and incest.

The 99-year sentence for John Leopold of Alakanuk was due to a prior history of sexual assault.

Prosecutor Dwayne McConnell says he hopes the long sentence sends a message to other sex offenders not to re-offend.

At Thursday's sentencing hearing, reports indicated that Leopold had sexually assaulted or sexually abused at least six people dating back to 1986. He had two prior felony convictions.