A Columbus man will have to wait until Friday to learn his punishment after pleading guilty Tuesday in Lowndes County Circuit Court to sexual battery.
Christopher Tedford, 51, was scheduled to go to trial before Judge Lee Coleman on Tuesday, but pleaded guilty, instead. He faced a charge of sexual battery and fondling.
Tedford’s fondling charge will be retired after he pleaded guilty to sexual battery.
According to court documents, Tedford engaged in sexual penetration with a minor who was younger than 14 years old on April 24, 2007. Tedford would have been 42 years old at the time.
A statement included in court documents from one of the victim’s parents said they hoped Tedford got counseling and has to “do time for the damage he has caused my 9-year-old daughter.”
According to state law, an adult convicted of sexual battery against a child who is 14 years old or younger, while being more than two years older than the victim, can be punished by 20 years to life in prison.
Tedford’s sentencing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday in the Lowndes County courthouse.
