ROCKLAND — A 32-year-old Friendship man was sentenced Thursday to nine months for sexually abusing a 14-year-old.
Justice Jeffrey Hjelm acknowledged that the nine months that Barry W. Reed will serve is pretty lenient but that Reed’s agreement to plead guilty means the victim will not have to testify at trial which would have been extraordinarily difficult.
Reed was given a five-year term with all but nine months suspended for sexual abuse of a minor. He also was ordered to serve two years probation after his release.
The investigation began when Reed’s therapist contacted law enforcement. State law mandates that such professionals report allegations of child abuse. Reed then admitted the crime to police.
Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Baroody said the incident occurred in March 2010 when the victim was 14. Reed provided liquor to the victim before the crime occurred. A charge of gross sexual assault was dismissed in exchange for the guilty plea to the lesser offense.
Reed has a criminal history that includes convictions for burglaries in 2003 and 2008.
He also will have to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Reed will not have to begin his sentence until at least Dec. 2, since he is undergoing medical treatment for a broken foot that defense attorney Jeremy Pratt said was the result of retribution in connection with the sexual abuse case.
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