WARREN — A Niles man on Thursday received a 15-year to life sentence on multiple felonies dealing with the sexual assaults of three underage female relatives.

Kenneth Brainard, 29, of South Cleveland Avenue, pleaded guilty before Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Ronald J. Rice, on three counts of gross sexual imposition and two counts of rape that carried the life sentence.

According to prosecutors and court documents, the sexual offenses took place against three victims for a period from February 2015 through January 2018. At the time of the offenses, the girls were all below age 13. They are now ages 13, 15 and 16.

The father of one of the victims delivered an impact statement, saying Brainard “was supposed to be the protector of these girls.

“We will see how he is protected in prison,” the man said.

Before sentencing, Brainard told the judge he was truly sorry “for everything I’ve done.”

Assistant Prosecutor Gabriel Wildman said the case was investigated by Trumbull County Children Services workers and law enforcement. He said the victim’s family members agreed with the plea deal that had been worked out.

Rice labeled Brainard a Tier 3 sexual, child-victim offender, meaning if he is released from prison, he would have to register his address with the local sheriff’s office every 90 days for the rest of his life.

Brainard was named in a secret indictment and turned himself in at the jail on Feb. 16, 2023, according to records.

Rice said consecutive sentences were necessary in this case in order to protect the public because of multiple victims and the severe nature of the crimes.