A Lehighton man pleaded guilty in Carbon County court on Monday, admitting to one count of indecent assault.

Michael S. Loy Jr., 31, admitted he inappropriately touched a then-12-year-old girl in a sexual manner. In a plea bargain with the district attorney's office, two other counts of indecent assault and counts of corruption of a minor and harassment were dropped.Loy was arrested by Franklin Township police following an investigation.According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by officer Jason Doll on June 3, 2015, he received a report of suspected child abuse, and set up an interview with the victim and her mother for June 12. He was joined in the interview by Jill Geissinger from Carbon County Children and Youth.The juvenile victim said to Doll in a written statement that on May 9, Loy was drinking and began touching her inappropriately when she was camping.On June 13, Doll conducted an interview with Loy, who provided a statement that said that on May 9 he was outside drinking. He said it was not for a long period of time as he realized what he was doing and stopped.He then told her he was sorry and did not mean to do that.President Judge Roger N. Nanovic II accepted the plea but deferred sentencing because the charge falls under the provisions of Megan's Law. Loy will have to be evaluated by the state sexual assessment board to determine if he is a violent sexual predator. If it is determined he is, then he will have to register for life as a sexual offender. If not, the registration period is 15 years.