ARKANSAS CITY (AP) – An Arkansas City man has entered an Alford plea in case involving the sexual abuse of four girls between the ages of 12 and 16 years old.

50-year-old Jerry Wayne Mills entered the plea Tuesday on four counts, including one rape charge. He had originally faced 11 charges involving a total of seven victims.

With an Alford plea, Mills maintains his innocence but acknowledges the state had enough evidence to convict him. Mills’ attorney says he decided to accept the plea bargain to avoid facing several life sentences.

Mills will be sentenced April 11.

He remains in the Cowley County Jail on $100,000 bond.