A Niles man will spend a minimum of 50 years in prison for sexually assaulting three boys all under the age of 13 last year in Niles Township.

Fifty-six-year-old David Wallace Hreha, who was found guilty of five counts of criminal sexual conduct last month, received the 50-to-100-year sentence Monday in Berrien County Trial Court in Niles.

Judge Dennis Wiley said Hreha showed predatory conduct when he would entice the victims with food, money and attention in order to get them away from their families. The sexual acts occurred in a separate structure outside of Hreha’s residence that contained a television, remote control and bed, the court heard.

Wiley said the structure was referred to as Hreha’s “man cave.”

“These are egregious acts,” Wiley said. “You were grooming them to be comfortable around you so you could sexually assault them.”

A jury found Hreha guilty of three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree and two counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. He was facing the possibility of life in prison.

Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Cortney O’Malley-Septoski said the crimes occurred in 2013 and that the police became involved in October of 2013.

Hreha was defiant throughout the sentencing hearing. At one point, he turned to look at someone in the audience and said, “Do you believe this?”

In response to Hreha’s behavior, a police officer stood very close to Hreha, who told the officer to “Get off me.”

Hreha also interrupted the judge several times and accused the court of not allowing him to present evidence favorable to his cause.

“You are sentencing an innocent man to die in prison,” Hreha said.

Wiley reminded Hreha that a jury found him guilty and that the jurors believed the testimony of the three victims over Hreha’s testimony.

“There is no question in my mind that you committed these offenses,” Wiley said.

Hreha’s attorney, Richard Racht, said while his client respects the jury’s decision, Hreha will more than likely appeal the ruling.

If Hreha is ever released from prison, he will be placed on lifetime electronic monitoring.