UTICA - A trusted family friend was sentenced for sexually abusing a six-year-old boy in Oneida County Court Friday.

The child's parents were in court, but asked the prosecutor to read a statement on their behalf. In it, Assistant District Attorney Doug DeMarche told the judge that David Mast's abuse affects the family every day; that the child is doing well in counseling, but suffers from nightmares and behavioral issues.

"The child continues to have nightmares associated with the abuse that he suffered at the hands of Mr. Mast, including nightmares and some behavioral issues; it does affect their everyday life," DeMarche said.

Then, Mast himself spoke.

"I regret what I did and I do hope that I can get counseling upstate," Mast said.

David Mast received a three and a half year prison sentence for his guilty plea to first degree sexual abuse.