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Terrell Jefferson, 17, of Milwaukee, pleaded guilty to one felony count of first-degree sexual assault of a child. He faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison when he is sentenced July 2, but it's unlikely his sentence will be that severe.
In exchange for Jefferson's guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend five years in prison and 10 years of extended supervision, said Jeffrey W. Jensen, Jefferson's defense attorney.
"It's not a joint recommendation. I plan to be arguing for less than that," Jensen said. "I couldn't put a number on that today."
Miriam Falk, the Milwaukee County assistant district attorney handling the case, did not immediately return a message left Monday by The Associated Press. Nor did Seymour Gimbel, the lawyer who represented the family after the assault occurred.
Jefferson was one of as many as 20 men and boys to engage in sexual activity with the girl, according to court documents.
The 11-year-old had gone to the home of a 16-year-old girl who encouraged her to perform oral sex on males in the house, the documents said. The child attempted to leave at some point but was prevented because people in the home were afraid she'd go to the police.
Police eventually came to the door looking for the 11-year-old, who had been reported missing.
The males charged in the attack ranged in age from 15 to 40. Jefferson, then 15, was one of the youngest but was charged as an adult.
Jensen said it would have been difficult for Jefferson not to be influenced by the people around him, especially adults.
"Terrell is always very subdued, he's very much a follower of what other people are doing," the defense attorney said. "Second, he was only 15 when all this happened."
Jefferson's case had been drawn out for more than a year because of prolonged hearings to decide whether he should be charged as an adult.
"Compared to some of the other defendants, he is fairly low-functioning," Jensen said.
Seven adults, five juveniles and three juveniles charged as adults were accused of participating in the assault. The adults, who all pleaded guilty or no contest, received prison sentences ranging from four to 25 years.
Prosecutors dismissed a sexual assault charge against one teen.
