OLIVIA, Minn. — A 25-year-old man who pleaded guilty to abducting and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl delivering newspapers in Fairfax will face a mandatory life sentence.

District Judge Randall Slieter ruled Monday that Matthew Fahey’s May 4 actions met the legal standards for “heinous,” and other aggravating factors were present in the commission of the crimes. That means the 25-year-old will face a mandatory life sentence in prison.

Fahey, of Marshall, pleaded guilty Jan. 25 at the start of his trial to charges of criminal sexual predatory conduct, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.

The West-Central Tribune of Willmar reports that he remains in the Renville County Jail awaiting formal sentencing, which is scheduled for April 27.