A Pana man has been sentenced to four years probation for sexually abusing a girl between the ages of 10 and 13. 64-year-old Keith E. Budds was sentenced Monday afternoon at the Christian County Courthouse.

Budds originally pled guilty to the Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse of a Minor charge on April 13. Pana Police Chief Dan Bland says the Department of Children and Family Services came to his department with the allegation, and the two organizations partnered to investigate the matter.

Bland says any case like this where a child is involved ramps up the urgency to bring the offender to justice.

Budds could have faced between three and seven years in prison for the conviction, but as per the plea agreement, Budds could not be sentenced to more than four years in the Department of Corrections. State’s Attorney Mike Havera sought prison time for Budds, while Budds’ attorney asked for probation only. Budds was also sentenced to 180 days in the Christian County jail, but with 333 days credit for time served, he will not serve any more jail time.