A former Maine State Police chief accused of sexually assaulting a 4-year-old child was sentenced to five years in prison, with all but four years suspended, and three years of probation.

Andrew Demers Jr., 74, of New Gloucester was sentenced immediately after pleading guilty to a charge of unlawful sexual contact on Tuesday. He is expected to report to jail in one week.

Demers’ attorney, Walter McKee, and Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson confirmed last month that they had reached a plea agreement, but neither of them would release details at that time, other than to say the sentence will be contested.

As part of the plea agreement, the more serious Class A felony charge of gross sexual assault was dismissed in exchange for Demers’ plea to the lesser charge.

Unlawful sexual contact is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Demers could have faced up to 30 years on the Class A felony had he not reached a plea agreement.

The sentencing followed a full hearing, with character witnesses testifying, sentencing arguments by the lawyers and background related to the case against Demers.

Demers had remained free on $5,000 bail since his arrest March 17. He pleaded not guilty on April 16 to a two-count indictment charging him with gross sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact.

Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce has said that Demers admitted to assaulting the child multiple times.

State police first received a tip about the alleged crimes March 10 and referred the matter to the district attorney, who asked the sheriff’s office to investigate. The District Attorney’s Office and McKee arranged for Demers to turn himself in at the county jail.

Demers, named a Legendary Trooper in 2003, served 26 years with the state police and held the department’s top position from 1987 to 1993, when he retired.

This story will be updated.

Scott Dolan can be reached at 791-6304 or at:

sdolan@pressherald.com

Twitter: @scottddolan

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