WILLISTON, North Dakota – A Mohawk man accused of sexual abuse of a teenage girl over several months in North Dakota pleaded guilty there Monday prior to the scheduled start of his trial.

Shane Karrio, 45, who was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child, entered a guilty plea Monday, the Williams County District Court said. The charge carries a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.

The plea deal is preliminary pending the approval of the judge in the case, who has ordered a presentencing investigation, according to the court.

The Williams County State’s Attorney office declined to comment on the details of the plea agreement, as the case is ongoing. The Williston Herald reported county prosecutors recommended a 15-year sentence, 10 1/2 years of which would be suspended.

Karrio allegedly had a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl from September 2012 to January 2013.

Kallio was extradited from Michigan after a hearing in 97th District Court in October. He has been held on $100,000 bond.