Man faces 20 years for sex offense

A 26-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man faces up to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty Monday to attempting to have sex with a 13-year-old girl.

Michael Anthony Abbott is set for sentencing Aug. 23. He pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault of a child under age 14.

He must register as a sex offender and will be under lifetime supervision.

Abbott is not eligible for parole.

"Do you understand that going to prison with this kind of conviction is not pleasant, and that's an understatement?" asked Senior Judge Norman Robison.

"You will have to register as a sex offender anyplace you live. It's going to be public record, the knowledge that you are a registered sex offender," Robison said.

Abbott was arrested April 2, accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl.

According to court reports, Abbott contacted the girl through MySpace and developed a relationship where he met her on several occasions.

The girl's parents discovered the relationship and warned Abbott to cease because of her age. They contacted authorities after he continued to be involved with the girl, according to the sheriff's office.

Abbott's lawyer Derrick Lopez said his client took responsibility for his action, but never intended to force the girl to have sexual intercourse. He was accused of inappropriately touching her.

"He was in full intent to have sexual intercourse, but never did intend to force this against her will," Lopez said.

When Abbott met the girl online, she indicated she was older than 13.

Prosecutor Laurie Trotter said the victim was prepared to testify that the defendant touched her inappropriately and talked to her about sex with the intent to engage her in intercourse.

"This is someone the defendant met on the Internet," Trotter said. "The initial information she put forward was that she was old enough to consent."

He faces a minimum of two years in prison.

Abbott originally was charged with lewdness which carried a 10-year-to-life sentence.