Alan DeGarmo, 57, of Wellsburg, appeared in Brooke County Court Tuesday morning.

Brooke County deputies arrested DeGarmo in January 2008 after a year-long investigation involving a minor.

DeGarmo had previously entered a plea of not guilty to five counts of sexual abuse and one count of first-degree sexual abuse.

Jeff Cramer, a special prosecutor assigned to the case, said the court will treat the pleas as guilty pleas during the sentencing.

Cramer said the sentence is open-ended, meaning there is no minimum sentence. He added that DeGarmo could get 1 to 5 years in prison for each count.

He said the victim and the victim's family, as well as the lieutenant who investigated the case, are satisfied with the plea agreement.

Cramer was appointed to the case because Brooke County Prosecutor David Cross said it was a conflict of interest for him. Cross' office represents the Brooke County Board of Education, which includes superintendent Mary Kay DeGarmo, the wife of the defendant.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 14 and counsel for both sides are expected to present arguments at that time.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: March 24, 2008: Wellsburg Man In Court On Sexual Abuse Charges