Steve Woodhouse
Journal-Express
Knoxville — John Edward Strelecki, 39, of Pleasantville, pled guilty to third-degree sexual abuse in Marion County District Court this morning.
Strelecki was charged with the crime for having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl on or around May 15.
"I had sex with a 15-year-old," Strelecki told Judge Martha Mertz. Mertz accepted his plea and set sentencing for Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered.
Prior to Strelecki's plea, Marion County Attorney Ed Bull and Defense Attorney Matthew Boles indicated that the plea agreement would include a recommendation for up to 10 years in prison and a suspended fine ranging between $1,000-$10,000. Due to the nature of his crime, Strelecki will be on parole for the rest of his life.
Strelecki could still withdraw his plea by filing a motion in arrest of judgment.
