MACON COUNTY — A 66-year-old Centralia man was sentenced Wednesday in Macon County court for sexually abusing a young girl under the age of 13.

Joseph R. Beckmann, of Chipwood Lane, admitted to sexually abusing the child.

He was sentenced to 48-months sex offender probation on the Class 2 felony conviction for aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under the age of 13. The court approved having the probation transferred to Marion County for completion.

Per the plea agreement, Beckmann is to have no contact with his victim, and is prohibited from going to her homes or her school.

The Macon County case against Beckmann was initially opened late in 2016 and he was arrested in August 2017.

In June of 2017, an order of protection was taken out against Beckmann in Marion County Court.

He must register as a sex offender and must submit to DNA testing by the state.

Beckmann had remained free on bond since shortly after his 2017 arrest.

The victim’s father read an impact statement to the court Wednesday begging the judge to not allow the plea agreement to go through. He described the stress, anxiety, confusion and depression Beckmann’s actions caused him and his young daughter.

He shared his worry for how Beckmann’s actions will shape his daughter’s future and the adolescent years that are already so tough.