BELFAST — A 72 year old Belfast man has been sentenced to serve nine years in prison following a Feb. 1 conviction for gross sexual assault, and unlawful sexual contact.

Lawrence Oxton was accused of having unlawful sexual contact with a minor not yet 12 years of age, in Belfast March 17.

According to court documents, Oxton confessed to the crime after turning himself in to Belfast police. The child was reportedly under Oxton's care prior to, and at the time of, the assault. It was only after the child was placed with a new family that allegations of abuse surfaced.

The Belfast Police Department opened an investigation May 5, following a referral from the Department of Health and Human Services. While initially denying the report, Oxton later stated that he knew he needed to "do the right thing,” according to an affidavit. 

Oxton later surrendered to the police department where he reportedly confessed to the crime. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for gross sexual assault, and five years in prison for unlawful sexual contact.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com