Nolan D. Osborn, 56, of Lake Forest, Calif., had pleaded guilty to felony sexual exploitation of a minor. He had originally been charged with attempted forcible sexual abuse and two counts of lewdness.
Judge Darwin C. Hansen said at the sentencing hearing Thursday that Osborn's behavior was "inexcusable,'' and he was convinced the man knew the girl was a minor, but "went forward taking photos in the most inappropriate and obscene manner.''
Hansen sentenced Osborn to serve up to five years in the Utah State Prison, but stayed that on successful completion of three years' probation.
Two girls had said Osborn took indecent photos of them in the Comfort Inn and the Fairfield Inn during the summer of 2003. Charges in the second case were dropped in exchange for the guilty plea.
Osborn's sentence also requires restitution payments to the victims, $750 in fines, registration as a sex offender and sex-offender therapy.
Defense attorney John B. Hutchinson said he was disappointed with the sentence because his client "has an excellent past record, and there were some unfortunate circumstances.''
Hutchinson said that after the arrest, Osborn retired as an engineer with the Orange County Fire Department.
