A Clarks Grove man on Friday pleaded guilty to soliciting a 12-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct.

The man, Kikham Sayaphet, 39, entered the plea in Freeborn County District Court.

The plea was classified as an Alford plea, in which the defendant maintains his innocence but admits the prosecutor has enough evidence to convict, usually for stiffer penalties.

According to court documents, Sayaphet initially faced one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The incident reportedly took place when he was living in Albert Lea, at 513 Fourth St.

Reports state the alleged victim lives in Shakopee; however, she and her brother were visiting Albert Lea the weekend of the alleged incident.

Court documents allege inappropriate conduct in a bedroom of the house after Sayaphet had come home from work late one night.

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson said there was no discussion about recommended jail time, but Sayaphet will get credit for time he has already served.

Sentencing has tentatively been scheduled for July 30. Sayaphet must undergo a pre-sentence investigation and psychosexual evaluation prior to the sentencing.