COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A northern Kentucky man whom prosecutors dubbed the "blue-eyed rapist" was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison for a pair of store robberies.

David Hopper, 43, of Burlington, pleaded guilty on Oct. 12 to two counts of using and carrying a firearm during an armed robbery. The first conviction carries a mandatory sentence of seven years. The second conviction carries a mandatory consecutive 25-year sentence, resulting in a total sentence of 32 years.

Authorities in February 2006 said Hopper was the top suspect of being a serial rapist linked to attacks in three states over 14 years.

Police made accusation after two women were sexually assaulted Feb. 4 in an Ohio model home.

Hopper has been charged in nine attacks. His DNA linked him to at least five of the assaults, according to court records, including the rape of a female clerk working at the Cold Spring Subway restaurant. That case is set for trial Jan. 15 in Campbell County Circuit Court.

The federal charges stem from the holdup of a Big Dog Sportswear Shop in Dry Ridge and a Superior Cleaners in Fort Wright. Prosecutors said Hopper walked away with $1,200 from the two robberies.

Under the plea agreement, Hopper will pay restitution to the businesses from which he stole money.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)