SANDPOINT — A Kootenai man accused of sexually abusing an infant could be released onto probation after spending less than a year in prison.

Lloyd Metcalf Hammack-Tuchon was originally charged with lewd and lascivious conduct, but the charge was reduced to felony injury to a child following plea negotiations between the state and the defense.

Hammack-Tuchon violated the 21-month-old girl’s genitalia with his hand on April 16, according to the criminal complaint. The child was promptly examined by a pediatric specialist, who concluded that the girl’s injuries were consistent with sexual abuse, court records indicate.

Hammack-Tuchon, 25, entered an Alford plea to the amended charge, which means he admits no wrongdoing but concedes he could be convicted if the case went to trial.

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