Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
A possible plea deal has apparently been reached in the case of a Mattoon man accused of trying to abduct a girl in Wittenberg in 2011.
David W. Andersen, 51, was expected to stand trial next week on a felony count of child enticement for allegedly trying to force a 15-year-old girl into a pickup for the purpose of sexual intercourse.
As a result of a status conference Wednesday, however, Andersen is now scheduled for a plea and sentencing hearing on Tuesday.
The state’s offer under the plea agreement was not disclosed, but the charge levied against Andersen carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and $100,000 fine.
The incident happened in the area of Genesee Street and Grand Avenue on March 21, 2011, while the girl was on her way to Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School.
According to the criminal complaint, a man in a truck later identified as Andersen stopped next to her and offered her a ride, which the girl declined. She then saw the truck drive ahead and park along a side street.
The girl became frightened and jumped over the guardrail, fleeing down the embankment and behind an antique store as Andersen pursued her on foot, according to the complaint. She made it to Wittenberg Middle School, where she reported the incident.
According to the complaint, Andersen admitted to investigators that he was the man involved in the incident.
He said he found the girl very attractive and looked like the type of girl he would like to meet and buy things for, the complaint states. He also said he wanted her to go on a date with him and that he needed younger women to have babies with.
In December 2011, Andersen was ordered held at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute to determine whether he was competent to stand trial. After nine months of evaluation, he was determined competent and was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing in October 2012.
Andersen entered a plea of insanity in March of last year.