ANDREW VANDERVEER

CRYSTAL FALLS — A Gaastra man accused of sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl pleaded guilty Monday in Iron County Trial Court.

Andrew Vanderveer, 19, was convicted of criminal sexual conduct-fourth degree, a high-court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison.

Vanderveer initially had been charged with criminal sexual conduct-third degree, a 15-year felony, but Iron County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Powell agreed to reduce the charge in exchange for his guilty plea.

Additionally, Powell recommended Vanderveer be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would allow him to remove the conviction from his criminal record if he completes probation without violation.

According to the criminal complaint,the sexual contact happened in a Caspian home April 20.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 12.

Brian Christensen can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 229, or bchristensen@ironmountaindailynews.com.