A Mineral man accused of molesting and sending sexual text messages to an 11-year-old has pleaded guilty to second-degree child molestation and will serve 20 months in prison and 36 months in community custody after his release.
Commissioner Tracy Mitchell additionally approved a sexual assault protection order for the victim, which will be in effect for five years.
Justin W. Trowbridge was arrested on March 1 after the victim’s mother found a text message conversation on the victim’s phone from Feb. 27, in which Trowbridge and the victim discussed a physical sexual encounter.
Trowbridge was initially charged with first-degree child molestation on March 2, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree child molestation on May 12.
In addition to standard community custody conditions, Trowbridge will be required to undergo a sexual deviancy evaluation and will not be allowed contact with minors.
He is currently serving out his sentence at the Lewis County Jail.