An elderly Bullhead City man apologized for molesting two young family members he says he loves. Harold Pinkard, 71, addressed Mohave County Superior Court judge during his March 1 change of plea and sentencing hearing.

“I just wanted to say that I am sorry for what I did. I really love the kids,” Pinkard said. “I just don’t understand why I did what I did, but I did.”

Bullhead City police reported when Pinkard was arrested last October that Pinkard made victims of the 7 and 11-year-old girls, and a four-year-old boy during babysitting sessions.

Pinkard pleaded guilty to attempted child molestation and sexual conduct with a minor involving the girls. Other charges were dismissed.

The mother of one of younger girl told the Court that her daughter wakes up at night screaming and terrified and that she lashes out and picks on her younger siblings.

“She’s only 8 years old now but she says she feels like a teenager because of what happened,” the mother told Judge Lambert. “It totally breaks my heart to see my daughter like this and I’ll never understand why he did it.”

Judge Lambert imposed a 20 year prison term, followed by lifetime probation.

“This may end up being a life sentence for him,” Cote said.

Dave Hawkins