JEFFERSON COUNTY — A 69-year-old Opdyke man pleaded guilty Tuesday in Jefferson County Court with sexually assaulting a minor.

James Martin Sr. was arrested in April on a Jefferson County warrant charging him with three counts Class X felony predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13.

Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun says Martin filed an open plea of guilty Tuesday to Count 1 with the other two counts being dismissed.

According to Mt. Vernon Police Chief Trent Page, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department initially took a report on March 11 of a sexual assault that allegedly took place in Mt. Vernon.

That information was forwarded to the Mt. Vernon Police Department and their Detective Division investigated the report. It’s believed the assault took place six to seven years ago, said Chief Page.

With an open plea Martin agrees to leave sentencing in the hands of the court and without any agreement as to a sentencing cap. Featherstun says Martin is facing up to 60 years in prison and a sentencing hearing in the case is scheduled for November 10.

Assistant State’s Attorney Julie Kozuszek prosecuted the case.