MINOT, N.D. (AP) - A possible plea deal has been negotiated for a former Minot neurosurgeon who had been scheduled to go on trial on federal sex abuse charges later this month.
Dr. Marc Edward Eichler is expected to plead guilty to one count of production of child pornography. He faces two to 10 years in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Eichler is accused of exchanging sexually explicit texts and photos in 2015 with two girls, ages 12 and 13.
The federal prosecutor is expected to recommend a minimal sentence, with five years of supervised release, due to Eichler accepting to take responsibility for the crime.
The prosecutor notes the sentence is subject to change if a pattern of abuse and use of a computer to commit the offense occurs.