SUNBURY -- A Sunbury man's conviction on sexual assault charges has been upheld by the state Superior Court.

Rickie Showers, 51, was convicted of several sexual offenses by a Northumberland County jury in April 2006 and sentenced by Judge Charles H. Saylor to 21 1/2 years to 43 years in state prison.

In an appeal, Showers challenged the judge's sentence as excessive, his refusal to dismiss the case on the grounds of insufficient evidence or declare a mistrial and the decision to consolidate two cases.

The Superior Court found Judge Saylor's rulings conformed with the law.

"There is nothing unreasonable about the sentence," the court said.

District Attorney Anthony Rosini praised prosecutor Ann Targonski and Sunbury police Det. Chris Blase for their work on the case.

"This (Superior Court) decision is another step in the long legal process in the prosecution of Showers to ensure justice for the victims in this case and to prevent this sexually violent predator from preying on additional children," he said.

Showers was convicted of sexually assaulting four boys ranging in ages 11 to 13 from 2001 through August 2004.

The jury found him guilty rape of a child; three counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; two counts each of solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault; four counts each of indecent assault and corruption of minors; as well as intimidation of a witness and terroristic threats.

Following the trial, Judge Saylor deemed Showers a sexually violent predator based on testimony from an expert witness.

The designation was not appealed and, for the rest of his life, Showers must register his name and address with the state police upon his release from jail.