A Bigfork man accused of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl has signed a plea agreement with the state, entering an Alford plea on April 11.

George Wilcoxen, 72, was charged with felony sexual assault in 2015 after a woman’s daughter claimed he had touched her inappropriately during an overnight stay.

Court documents state that in an interview at the children’s advocacy center, the girl alleged that during her stay at his house, Wilcoxen took her into his bedroom, held her down and touched her with “something hard.” She also stated Wilcoxen licked her face and put his hand down her pajama bottoms.

An Alford plea convicts an individual of a crime, but allows the defendant to maintain his or her innocence. It acknowledges that an individual is likely to be found guilty at trial.

Wilcoxen agreed with his attorney when asked if he was entering the Alford plea to “end the pain coursing through his family.”

Had Wilcoxen gone forward with a jury trial and been convicted, he would have faced up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine.

According to the plea agreement, both the state and the defense will recommend a sentence of 10 years with the Department of Corrections with all 10 years suspended.

Sentencing has been set for Aug. 9.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.