Initially charged with six counts of lewd and lascivious battery against a 15-year-old girl, James Gresham, 19, of Anna Maria, pleaded no contest to one count of child abuse.
As part of the Oct. 6 plea deal, 12th Circuit Judge Diana Moreland withheld Gresham’s adjudication and ordered 36 months probation.
Gresham was arrested in March after he told authorities he had sex with a minor.
Conditions of his probation prohibit him from any contact with the victim or any person under age 17, except family. He is required to undergo a mental health evaluation and treatment if deemed necessary.
He also is required to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases.
According to the court order, he is eligible for early termination after 24 months if he successfully completes the terms of his probation.
Gresham was assessed court costs of $870, including a $151 fine to the Crimes Against Children fund.