A Sugar Grove man will register for 25 years as a sexual offender as a result of a sentence handed down Friday.

Alton S. Riel, 48, was sentenced by Judge Gregory Hammond on a single count of indecent assault.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were contacted in April 2020 about an alleged incident in which Riel put his hand under a girl’s shirt and bra and touched her breast.

According to the alleged victim, the incident took place in her residence while school was out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The affidavit of probable cause states that the alleged victim told Riel what he was doing was wrong and he stopped.

Police said Riel was questioned about the alleged incident.

“The defendant admitted that he touched the victim and he clearly kn(e)w how old the victim was,” according to police. “The defendant stated at first it could have been an accident and after further discussion stated he knew he made a mistake and it was wrong.”

His attorney, Assistant Public Defender Francis Waweru, told the court that his client understands the serious nature of the charges. He said Riel’s prior record is mainly traffic violations, calling this the first time he has been “in trouble for something so serious.”

Riel said he is “sorry for everything that went on” and told the court that the victim said last month that the incident never happened.

Judge Hammond then cut in and noted that he was still having contact with the victim after he was charged and that the victim’s family had bullied the victim on her statement.

He told Riel that his explanations are “going to fall on deat ears” as he already refused to let Riel withdraw his guilty plea.

Riel then said he is “ready to take responsibility.”

Hammond told him a state assessment found him not to be a sexually violent predator.

“You’re a predator obviously but not a sexually violent predator,” he said.

He then sentenced Riel to six months to two years less one day incarceration with credit for 43 days time served, work release and early re-entry eligibility, submission of a DNA sample, sex offender counseling, a no contact order, $625 in fines and fees and a no contact order with anyone under the age of 18 without supervision.

He also told Riel that he would be required to register as a sexual offender for 25 years under Megan’s Law.