A 22 year-old Zanesville man is awaiting sentencing in common pleas court after being accused of having sex with a 15 year-old girl.

On Friday, Alex Franklin pleaded guilty to one fourth-degree felony count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

According to Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor Ron Welch, Franklin was reported to the police after contacting the victim on Snapchat to meet him in a bathroom where they kissed and engaged in sexual intercourse.

Franklin’s attorney, Keith Edwards, further elaborated on the circumstances while arguing for a reduced bond.

According to Edwards, the sexual act was consensual in the sense that it wasn’t forced.

“It wasn’t rape,” said Edwards.

Edwards explained that the victim’s mother introduced her to Franklin, telling him that the girl thought he was cute.

While the adults were drinking together at the victim’s house, Franklin contacted the teen and asked her to meet him in the bathroom where the act occurred.

Later, another family member learned of the encounter and contacted police.

Deferring to the court on the issue of bond, Welch told the judge he did not support a full own recognizance bond.

Judge Kelly Cottrill agreed to reduce Franklin’s bond from $100,000 to a $10,000 own recognizance bond on the condition that he passes a drug test and has no contact with the victim or her family.