Lakewood physical therapist Richard Armelino was sentenced today to eight years to life in prison for sexually assaulting a teenage female patient.

Armelino, 44, was convicted in May on charges of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, as a pattern of conduct and unlawful sexual contact.

The 16-year-old girl was referred to him for treatment of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was convicted of using his position as a health care provider to sexually assault patients.

Armelino was licensed in Colorado as a physical therapist in 1995 and operated out of an office on South Pierce Street in Lakewood.

He also must register as a sex offender.