JACKSON COUNTY — A 19-year-old Jackson County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a mentally and physically disabled person.

Douglas E. Hinkle, Jr., of Gorham, filed an “open plea” of guilty in January to Class X felony aggravated criminal sexual assault of a handicapped person.

In August 2015, deputies and detectives with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department began a possible sexual assault investigation.

During the investigation, detectives learned that the victim was profoundly mentally and physically disabled, and quickly learned that Hinkle, who is related to the victim, was a possible suspect.

While being interviewed regarding the sexual assault, Hinkle admitted that he engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, and that the intercourse was forced upon the victim.

Hinkle will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence, and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Per the plea agreement, a Class X felony charge of aggravated criminal sexual assault of an intellectually disabled person, and Class 3 felony charge of sexual relations within families were dismissed.