A 44-year-old Pennsylvania man who dressed as cartoon characters for children's parties was sentenced to five to 10 years in a state prison after pleading "no contest" to sexually abusing at least five boys.
The Delaware County Times reports Michael Cripps, of Colwyn, was sentenced Thursday. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
Prosecutors have said Cripps targeted single or divorced women with young boys and volunteered to babysit. There is no evidence he met any victims through his business in which he dressed up as Mickey Mouse, Elmo or SpongeBob SquarePants.
Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland says "no amount of prison time is ever enough in cases such as this," but Cripps' lifetime Megan's Law registration "will ensure he can never get close to a child again."
