Kotzebue man gets 116 years on sex charges

KOTZEBUE - A 54-year-old Kotzebue man will serve 116 years in prison following his multiple convictions of sexual assault, assault involving a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

James Phillips was sentenced Thursday under new sentencing laws. Alaska State Troopers say under these guidelines, a defendant must be sentenced to 99 years if he has two or more felony convictions. Phillips is not eligible for parole.

Witnesses told troopers that Phillips worked at a grocery store, where he befriended young girls. He invited them to parties, got them intoxicated and then sexually assaulted them.