A transient who admitted that he sexually assaulted his social worker in September 2009 has been sentenced to 18 years in state prison.

Bradley M. Howe, whose last known address was Jefferson, was sentenced Wednesday in Lincoln County Superior Court by Justice Andrew Horton.

It was the second time the 48-year-old Howe has been convicted of a violent sex crime. District Attorney Geoffrey Rushlau said Howe was convicted of rape in 1982 and received a five-year sentence.

Rushlau said the victim in the 2009 case worked for a social service agency that provides assistance to homeless individuals. Howe was a client of the agency.

“He attacked her at the time she was doing this valuable and compassionate work. The assault has had a profound effect on her life,” Rushlau said.

According to police reports, the victim was giving Howe a ride when he asked her to pull behind a church in Whitefield so he could retrieve some items.

The woman told police that Howe pulled a knife, forced her out of the car, and began sexually assaulting her. She managed to get away when a car arrived.

Howe pleaded guilty to gross sexual assault, criminal threatening with a weapon and unauthorized use of property during a court appearance May 7.

After serving 18 years, Howe will be placed on probation for 12 years. He could be returned to prison for up to an additional 17 years if he commits another crime, Rushlau said.

Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at dhoey@pressherald.com