Despite his protestations that he didn't sexually prey on boys interested in learning the game, a chess teacher has been sent to prison in Colorado.

Robert Snyder, 55, author of the "Chess for Juniors" book series, was given an open sentence Tuesday by Larimer County District Judge Dave Williams, the Denver Post reported on Wednesday. The newspaper also said that the sentence means he will serve at least 12 years and possibly life behind bars.

The judge reportedly said, "There has been no willingness on his part to seek rehabilitation. He has no empathy at all for his victims."

But Snyder, who pleaded guilty Jan. 29 to a probation violation, issued a statement through his attorney denying he sexually abused two boys, ages 10 and 11, at his Fort Collins home where he offered chess lessons.

In 2005 also Snyder was found guilty on a misdemeanor charge in 2005 and served two years in jail. He then moved to Belize rather than be monitored as a sex offender. He was arrested last year after he was recognized on the television show "America's Most Wanted." (With Inputs from Agencies)