FAIRBURY, Ne. - A Fairbury man is pleading guilty to attempted sexual assault.

59-year-old Steven Thornburg was originally charged with sexual assault of a child after an incident involving a 15-year-old girl last August. On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted first degree sexual assault. The plea deal changes the maximum sentence from 20 years to 12-15.

Defense attorney Ben Murray’s request to move the sentencing date from early September to early October was granted by District Judge Vicky Johnson. Murray said Thornburg requested him to take time to gather medical records and information.

Sentencing is now scheduled for October 7 at 11:00 a.m.