Man pleads guilty to multiple counts of child molestation, gets life sentence

A man, Christopher Bader, received a life sentence after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two young girls over an extended period. The Douglas County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday that Bader, 48, admitted to multiple charges of child molestation and aggravated child molestation. The judge subsequently sentenced him to life imprisonment, with the first 25 years to be served without the possibility of parole.

The investigation into Bader's actions began on May 3, 2021, when the Douglas County Sheriff's Office received a report detailing years of sexual abuse suffered by two young girls. According to the victims, Bader's abuse started when they were children, and over time, it escalated as he isolated them from family and friends. Prosecutors highlighted that Bader also supplied the victims with drugs and alcohol, intensifying the abuse as they grew older.

Bader was arrested twice in connection with these crimes. Following his first arrest, he was granted bond but failed to appear for court and attempted to flee with one of the victims. On his second arrest, investigators uncovered DNA evidence and incriminating photos on his phone, providing further confirmation of the abuse. Notably, the victims initially did not know about each other’s suffering until later in their lives.

During the plea hearing, both victims, now adults, bravely recounted their trauma in detail, seeking accountability for Bader's actions. Despite the emotional testimonies, Bader showed no remorse. The presiding judge condemned his actions as "unspeakably horrible" and expressed hope that he would remain imprisoned indefinitely.

Prosecutors stated that the impact of Bader's crimes has left profound emotional scars on the victims, affecting their lives permanently. District Attorney Dalia Racine emphasized the importance of justice, both in the courtroom and in supporting the victims on their healing journey. She commended the courage of the victims for coming forward and acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement in ensuring Bader faced accountability for his actions, while also noting that there are pending charges against him in Alabama related to the same victims.