Man Accepts 15 Years In Prison For Sex With Teen

A man once named Hernando County's most wanted received a 15-year prison sentence on Monday for his relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

Bill Plowman, 48, must also complete five years of sex offender probation following his release from prison.

Plowman steadfastly maintained his innocence leading up to Monday's trial date. But as jurors lined up, Plowman had an apparent change of heart and accepted a plea bargain instead.

"He came to terms with reality," said Assistant State Attorney Brian Trehy.

Plowman is charged with nine counts of lewd and lascivious battery for his relationship with the victim, which began in 2005. On Christmas night, the two had consensual unprotected sex and continued the relationship until February 2006, according to an arrest affidavit.

The crime was uncovered when the victim's mother discovered graphic love notes between the two. Other evidence included photos of the couple taken on a digital camera.

Plowman was a friend of the family and finding that evidence "was scary," the victim's mother said Monday. Hernando Today is not naming the mother to protect the victim's identity.

"We're both relieved that it's finally over," the mother said on behalf of her daughter, who was also in court on Monday.

The victim was not impregnated by Plowman, according to her mother.

Plowman eluded authorities for 18 months until he was captured in Aripeka in October 2007.