An 18-year-old Inver Grove Heights man accused of the statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl last summer has pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
As part of his sentence, George Michael Knowlton must complete 30 hours of community service and be placed on five years’ probation, according to an article in the Pioneer Press.
In handing down the sentence last week in Dakota County District Court, First Judicial District Judge Shawn Moynihan also ordered Knowlton to complete sex-offender treatment that focuses on statutory rape offenses.
The Pioneer Press says that if Knowlton—who also served three days in jail earlier this month—completes his probation and the rest of his sentence, the charge against him could be dropped.
The third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge, a felony, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
George was arrested in September and charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct for having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old last summer.
In December, he was jailed for violating terms of his conditional release, which called for him to have no contact with the victim.
Here are previous stories relating to the Knowlton case that posted on Patch: