FARMINGTON — A Chesterville man pleaded guilty Monday to sexual contact with a child under age 15.

Justice Nancy Mills sentenced Jason J. Bergeron, 36, in Franklin County Superior Court to 18 months of a five-year prison sentence and four years probation.

Bergeron pleaded to a felony charge of unlawful sexual contact. The state dismissed three higher-level felony charges of sexual assault due to proof issues through no fault of the victim, Assistant District Attorney James Andrews told the court.

Bergeron has been in jail on $50,000 cash bail or $200,000 worth of real estate since his arrest in July 2013.

If the case went to trial, the victim would have testified that Bergeron thrust his pelvis against her when both had their clothes on, Andrews said.

A witness would have testified that Bergeron had spilled beer on his pants and was trying to wipe the beer off on the child’s clothing, he said.

Testimony would have also been heard that Bergeron was heavily intoxicated and denied thrusting his pelvis on the child. He also told police he blacked out on occasion after drinking hard liquor, according to evidence.

Begeron’s attorney Philip Mohlar said his client does not have a clear recollection of what went on. He said his client believed it was done in a joking manner but the victim did not take it that way, he said.

Andrews said it was fair to say that neither party is happy with the agreement.

Mohlar said his client would not have pleaded to the gross sexual assault charges.

Justice Mills also ordered Bergeron to have no contact with anyone under age 16 unless a biological parent was present. He is also prohibited from having contact with the victim.

She also told Bergeron he must undergo sex offender and substance abuse counseling to his probation officer’s satisfaction. He also must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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