A 30-year-old man charged with a sex crime involving a 13-year-old entered an Alford plea Wednesday and will avoid going to prison.
Shauwn Carter was indicted in January after investigators say he abused a 13-year-old victim at his home in Crimora last summer.
Wednesday in Augusta County Circuit Court, Carter entered an Alford plea to one count of indecent liberties with a minor. In an Alford Plea, the criminal defendant does not admit the act, but admits that the prosecution could likely prove the charge.
"It is our position that the Commonwealth may have been able to prove its case despite the credibility issues surrounding some of its witnesses, albeit not necessarily the alleged victim. Therefore, Mr. Carter plead guilty under Alford v. North Carolina and we believe this was an equitable resolution." - Robert Hahn, Esquire
A second charge of indecent liberties with a minor was taken under advisement.
A 10-year sentence was suspended and he must register as a sex offender.
Reported by NBC29's Tara Todd
