A guilty plea was entered as the jury was deliberating, the prosecutor said.
A 33-year-old Alpha man on Friday admitted to sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl, ending his trial on sex assault charges as the jury was in deliberations.
Michael E. Russell pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
In exchange for his admission and plea, prosecutors dropped two counts of sexual assault and will recommend Russell serve five years in state prison, according to a news release from the Warren County Prosecutor's Office.
Russell had sex with the girl in 2012, according to an indictment. The prosecutor's office and Phillipsburg police investigated, and the trial began Nov. 16.
Under the agreement, Russell will be subject to Megan's Law and a lifetime of parole supervision, according to the release. A restraining order will be issued and Russell will also have a psychological examination.
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