A Dover man pleaded guilty Wednesday, May 11, to charges that state he engaged in sexual conduct with a 12-year-old girl on a camping trip in Holmes County.

Larry D. Eckroad, 61, of 4038 Dover Zoar NE, pleaded guilty in Holmes County Common Pleas Court to one count of sexual battery. He faces up to eight years in prison on the charge.

The charge stems from July 2009, when Eckroad and the girl were part of a group traveling through the county. According to Prosecuting Attorney Steve Knowling, Eckroad “approached the girl during the night” at a campsite.

The girl disclosed the incident in February 2011 and has been undergoing counseling, according to her family.

A joint sentencing agreement arrived at by Knowling and Eckroad’s attorney, John Gattrell, recommends a four-year prison sentence. Judicial release is possible after two years if Eckroad successfully completes an in-house sex offender rehabilitation program.

Common Pleas Judge Robert Rinfret ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for June 29. Rinfret made it very clear that he does not want any surprises from the presentence investigation or in psychological assessments that Eckroad voluntarily enrolled in.

“I expect you to be totally honest,” Rinfret said. “If I get (new) information that isn’t in front of me right now, (the joint sentencing agreement) is off the table.”

Eckroad will further be classified as a Tier III sex offender, required to register in person every 90 days for life.