A former Wheeling police officer accused of sexual assault has reached an agreement with prosecutors and won't face any jail time.

Matthew Kotson had faced two trials. Instead of leaving his fate in the hands of a jury, he pleaded no contest to reduced charges of harassment.

Each charge carries six months of jail time, but Kotson's sentence was suspended and he will instead be on probation for one year.

Kotson's defense attorney said it was difficult to decline the plea bargain given the risk of trial.

Kotson will not go to jail unless he violates his probation. The terms of his probation include no drinking alcohol, no drug use, he cannot go to bars, cannot have firearms, must have random drug tests, cannot have contact with people who made the allegations against him and he can't violate the law. He also must have a job, but cannot be a police officer again.

Kotson was indicted in January 2012 after four women accused him of misconduct. He was acquitted of two sexual abuse charges.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Dec. 13, 2012 - Former Wheeling's police officer's termination case headed to W.Va. Supreme Court

Dec. 8, 2012 - City appeals judge's decision in Kotson termination to W.Va. Supreme Court

Oct. 23, 2012 - Judge: Former Wheeling police officer fired after arrest can appeal termination

Oct. 5, 2012 - 2nd trial set for former Wheeling police officer indicted on sex charges

Sept. 19, 2012 - Jury finds ex-cop not guilty on 1 sex abuse count, mistrial declared on 2nd count

Sept. 17, 2012 - Trial begins for former Wheeling police officer charged with sex crimes

Sept. 14, 2012- Jury selected for former Wheeling police officer charged with sex crimes; Trial to start Monday

Sept. 12, 2012 - Former Wheeling police officer appeals termination

Aug. 31, 2012 - Kotson trial delayed for one week

Aug. 16, 2012 - First on WTOV9.com: Judge to stay on Kotson case

Aug. 2, 2012 - Graphic testimony presented in case of former officer accused of sex crimes

July 17, 2012 - 1 of 4 sex assault cases against former Wheeling police officer dismissed due to uncooperative witnesses

Friday, April 6, 2012 - Police Civil Service Commission upholds Wheeling Police officer termination

Feb. 17, 2012 - Former police officer present during termination hearing

Dec. 24, 2011 - Grand jury to review case involving former police officer in January

Dec. 8, 2011 - Special prosecutor appointed in case of former policeman charged with sex crimes

Dec. 6, 2011 - Wheeling officer facing sex assault charges fired   

Dec. 2, 2011 - Wheeling police officer charged with sex assaults