newsminer.com

FAIRBANKS — A Fort Yukon youth basketball coach convicted of having sex with one of his 13-year-old players could be out of jail as soon as next year thanks to a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Russell Jacob Shewfelt, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree sexual assault in exchange for prosecutors dropping two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, a more serious charge, and one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with seven years of that time suspended, and with good behavior he could be released as soon as 2009. Shewfelt will also be on probation for seven years and have to register as a sex offender for 15 years.

Shewfelt might also be required to pay restitution to the girl and her family.

Superior Court Judge Robert Downes said he was at first hesitant to accept the agreement, but that he felt it was appropriate given Shewfelt’s lack of a criminal history and the support his family has shown for him.

“You weren’t out there as a predator, and you have no history that gives me that idea,” Downes said.

Authorities believe Shewfelt had sex with the girl at his 21st birthday party in January, during which he gave other teens alcohol as well. The relationship came to light when the girl’s mother read about it in her daughter’s diary and contacted Alaska State Troopers. Shewfelt has been incarcerated at the Fairbanks Correctional Center since his January arrest, and will receive credit for time served.

“I just want to say I’m sorry to the family I’ve hurt and caused pain to and my family,” Shewfelt said at the sentencing hearing, his voice cracking with emotion, “When I get out, I want to go back to school and learn some new trades and try to put this behind me.”

Judge Downes noted that though most people charged with similar offenses are sentenced to between five and 10 years in prison, Shewfelt also has a lengthy list of probation requirements he must comply with, including not being around children under the age of 16 without the permission of his probation officer, and he also must allow his probation officer to review his online activity at anytime.

“He’s young, he’s intelligent and he’s capable,” Downes said. “I’m confident he’ll do well, and if not, he’ll go back to jail for seven years.”