District Judge Michael Gibbons sentenced a former cocktail waitress to 20 years in Nevada State Prison for aiding her ex-husband in the sexual abuse and exploitation of their two young daughters.
He ordered Stacy Thoman, 33, to serve 20 years for attempted lewdness and six years for child abuse, the sentences to be served concurrently.
"The punishment for engaging in such horrendous behavior doesn't entitle anyone to seriously ask for probation," Gibbons said at the conclusion of a four-hour sentencing hearing Wednesday.
"The children are the most important people in this case," he said.
Gibbons said Thoman could be eligible for parole in five years. He gave her the maximum sentences for the offenses.
Her ex-husband, Kevan Thoman, 36, was sentenced in Washoe County in April to life in prison plus 20 years for his part in the abuse which officials say lasted for eight years.
According to reports, the crimes in Douglas County occurred from October 2004 until February 2008, while Thoman and her ex-husband lived on Granite Way in Topaz Ranch Estates, and continued after the family moved to Reno.
According to reports, the abuse began with the oldest child when she was 6. A second daughter was involved a few years later.
The Thomans also have a son who was not abused, according to reports.
The victims are living with relatives.
The children's grandmother testified Wednesday the children want no contact with their mother.
Thoman's attorney, Cheryl Field-Lang of Reno, portrayed her client as a child sexual assault victim herself who grew up without help dealing with her own issues.
"Sexual behavior was accepted without consequence. She was taught to keep her mouth shut, and that formed the basis of how she responded as an adult," Field-Lang said.
That behavior made her vulnerable to a sexual predator like her former husband who groomed her to abuse and exploit their children, Field-Lang said.
The Thomans divorced, and Stacy Thoman reported the abuse to Reno police in June 2008.
"Children do not initiate or act sexually. Kevan Thoman tried to convince me that they do. I was wrong," Stacy Thoman told Gibbons. "My children suffered greatly because of me. I should have come forward sooner. I should have not participated. I take responsibility for the damage I did to my children and I will regret it for the rest of my life."
In arguing for the maximum sentence, Deputy District Attorney Tom Gregory said in 15 years practicing law, the case was "the sickest, most perverse case I've been involved in."
"Stacy Thoman knew in 2000 what was going on, and she allowed it to happen. There was no evidence she was coerced, no evidence he threatened her with a gun.
"I don't think anybody in this courtroom likes to think mothers do this kind of behavior. This mother did."
Field-Lang, who was crying as she argued on behalf of Thoman, said if her client hadn't gone to the police, the abuse would have continued. She said Thoman won't get the help she needs in prison.