HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An area man who entered a “guilty” plea to a count of aggravated violation of the offender registration act while a more serious charge of sexual exploitation of a child was dismissed is scheduled for sentencing Friday.

Douglas A. Kennel was arrested back on Jan. 27 following an investigation that began when the suspect had taken an old phone to have data transferred to a new phone. The worker transferring the data saw images that he thought to be child porn.

As part of the plea agreement, both sides will recommend nearly 20 years in prison, but will also recommend five years of intense community corrections.

Although the state dropped the charge of sexual exploitation of a child, District Attorney Keith Schroeder told the court at the time of the plea that he would dismiss the charge without prejudice, meaning he can refile the charge at any time within the next five years.

Kennel was ordered to have a sex offender evaluation completed. He also can’t have any access to a computer, cell phone or other electronic device that can be connected to the internet. Any computer in his home must be password protected in a manner that would prevent him from gaining access to the internet, but wouldn’t hinder other members of the household.

He also agreed to waive any right to appeal any legal sentence handed down by Judge Trish Rose. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday.