BELFAST — A Morrill man was sentenced to five years in prison for unlawful sexual contact in Waldo County Unified Court April 1, though he will only have to serve nine months of his sentence behind bars.

Christopher F. Beeton, 31, will have to serve two years of probation upon completion of his sentence.

Beeton was also charged with gross sexual assault as a result of the July 2016 incidents, which involved a victim under age 14. That charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal, as was a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, which was brought forward due to Beeton sending nude photographs of himself to the victim and requesting she send nude photographs of herself, which she did. The incident date for that charge is listed as July 2018, when the victim was under 16 and was also dismissed.

Beeton was charged following a Department of Health and Human Services referral made in July 2018 and a subsequent investigation by members of the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, according to court documents.

According to an affidavit filed by Deputy Jordan Tozier, the referral was regarding a relationship between the minor and Christopher Beeton during the summer of 2016, including June, July, and August.

When Tozier interviewed the minor she reportedly admitted to having a sexual relationship with Beeton and provided correspondence she shared with Beeton on social media. These conversations included Beeton acknowledging the sexual relationship, requests for the minor to provide Beeton with nude photos, and nude photos of himself Beeton shared with the minor, according to an affidavit.

Beeton reportedly admitted to having a sexual relationship with his victim, corroborating the victim's statements.

He will be prohibited from contact with minors under age 16 as part of his probation and must register on the Sex Offender Registry.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com