FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - Prosecutors are seeking an 18-year prison term for a Frederick man who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 1-year-old boy.

Continue reading

The Frederick News-Post reports that 19-year-old Ryan Sheppard pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree sex offense. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25 (http://bit.ly/ABKbsv).

Sheppard was charged in June with first-degree sex offense and other crimes for inflicting injuries that required surgical repair.

Assistant State's Attorney Lindell Angel says the state would not oppose a recommendation to send Sheppard to the Patuxent Institution, a mental-health treatment center for state prison inmates.

Sheppard's father says he turned his son in and advised him to plead guilty so he could get help.

Police say Sheppard admitted he sexually abused the boy and also acknowledged he has looked at child pornography.

Information from: http://www.fredericknewspost.com