Prosecutors worked out a plea bargain with an Oak Harbor man accused of child molestation instead of putting the victim through another trial.

Mauricia Mella, 38, pleaded guilty in Island County Superior Court July 21 to communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.

Judge Alan Hancock followed the prosecutor’s recommendation and sentenced Mella to 364 days in jail, with 363 days suspended, plus a year of probation. He also ordered Mella to pay $1,127 in fines and fees.

Most importantly, according to Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks, Mella will have to register as a sex offender. He also must obtain a sexual deviancy evaluation and get treatment.

“It is my understanding that the victim’s mother on Friday was able to tell her child that, because she was brave and told the truth, Mr. Mella will not be able to hurt another little girl,” Banks said. “His registration, community monitoring, and treatment will help make that promise a reality.”

Mella was originally accused of molesting the 6-year-old neighbor girl during a potluck at a neighbor’s home Aug. 19, court documents state.

Mella denied touching the girl inappropriately. There was another adult in the room when the alleged assault occurred, according to court documents.

Prosecutors charged Mella with first-degree child molestation and brought the case to trial in May. It was a tough case that relied on the word of a young child. Banks said the victim took the stand and did a good job of testifying, even though it was obviously painful for her and her parents.

Judge Hancock was forced to declare a mistrial after jurors deadlocked 7-5 to acquit.

Banks said the victim’s family was happy with the plea bargain because they wanted to spare her the ordeal of testifying again.