MONROE — Facing potentially four decades in state prison if found guilty of second-degree sexual assault of a child, an Albany man will instead spend 90 days in the county jail and four years on strict court supervision as payment for his crimes.

“There are lots of folks your age across the state who don’t get this opportunity,” Green County Circuit Judge Jane Bucher told the defendant in the case on Monday, prior to sentencing and acceptance of a plea agreement that effectively reduced the charges from the original felonies. “The bottom line is, it’s on you to know the age of somebody.”

The victim was a student at Belleville High School during the alleged abuse. The defendant, Connor W. Jones, is now 22.

He told investigators, according to the criminal complaint, that he thought the victim was 18. In fact, after the defendant and victim first met, he asked her to prove her age. Jones, however, reportedly said: “I didn’t believe she was 18. She looked way younger than that,” said the complaint.

Indeed, confusion and contradictory statements about how old the defendant and victim were at the time of the offenses contributed to Bucher deciding to give the defendant a chance at avoiding a felony.

Jones also had never been arrested.

“Certainly, it speaks to your character that you don’t have a criminal record,” said Bucher.

The alleged sexual abuse continued over a period from February to April of 2026. The two met online, in a social media platform and apparently had an actual relationship — but one in which one or both parties were untruthful about their age, according to court records and testimony Monday.

The sexual acts also were thought to be consensual, insofar as a minor can consent to sex, according to testimony. The couple were even together and did social activities with the defendant’s parents during their relationship, according to testimony.

When presented with the proposed plea agreement, Bucher said its complexity — and a clause allowing the defendant the option of eventually perusing expungement of the charges — “gives the court some pause.”

And with that, she raised the amount of jail time originally sought from 60 to 90 days and further admonished the defendant to successfully complete probation or risk potentially years in prison, a felony on his record; and lifetime registry as a sex offender.

“Anything less than 90 days would not address the severity here,” said Bucher.

Corey Chirafisi, an attorney representing the defendant, said his client was grateful for the opportunity to avoid the harshest penalties he could have faced, including state prison.

“If he is not successful, this a life-changing event,” said Chirafisi, as his client looked on, saying little throughout the hearing. “This strikes a balance.”

Jones was originally charged with second-degree sexual assault of a child — a Class C Felony in Wisconsin, punishable by a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. He pleaded not contest to that charge Monday as part of a deferred prosecution agreement.

He also pleaded no contest Monday to three misdemeanor charges — sexual intercourse with child age 15 or older, sexual intercourse with child age 16 or older; and fourth-degree sexual assault.

As part of the deal, Jones will serve a 90-day term in the Green County Jail with Huber privileges. He has a number of restrictions related to probation; and will be required to complete all treatment and programs recommended by the department.

Jones is to report to jail on December 4 to begin his sentence.