A 45-year-old Bellmead man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl.

Judge Matt Johnson of Waco’s 54th State District Court approved a plea bargain between prosecutors and Michael James Reed.

He sentenced Reed to two concurrent 20-year prison terms after Reed pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Michael James Reed must spend at least 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors agreed to dismiss a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, which carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Reed, who reportedly is in failing health, must serve at least 10 years in prison before he can be considered for parole.

He pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a girl in December 2008 and in March 2009.

A defendant can be charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child if he allegedly commits more than one act during a 30-day period.

Prosecutor Beth Toben said the victim had trouble remembering specific dates the acts occurred, making prosecution problematic.

“The family was glad he accepted responsibility for what he had done and saved her from having to go through a trial,” Toben said. “In light of his health problems and based on the type of allegations, 20 years is a good sentence.”

Reed’s attorney, John Donahue, declined comment on the case.

Reed, who has a felony conviction for burglary of a building in 1983, had been set to stand trial Monday.

twitherspoon@wacotrib.com

757-5737