A local teenager will spend the next 36 months in county lockup after admitting to sex crimes involving a younger family member.

Initially charged with aggravated assault and aggravated child molestation, Corey Roger Voyles, 18, pleaded guilty to reduced charges in connection with his 2014 arrest.

If convicted on the 11 count indictment, Voyles could have faced up to 50 years in prison.

The former Dawson County High School student was arrested Feb. 25, 2014 after a teen family member reported he had sexually assaulted her while she was a guest visiting his family's home in western Dawson County.

Court testimony also revealed prior inappropriate contact between Voyles and the alleged victim, a matter that Superior Court Judge Bonnie Oliver called troubling.

"The thing that bothers me the most about this case is the fact that y'all had this little prior situation and [the department of family and children services] got involved...yet we're here on another incident," she said.

Voyles was sentenced to 15 years with the first three to be served on work release through the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, meaning he will be allowed to work during the day, but will sleep at the jail.

He must also register as a sex offender and pay a fine of $3,000.

"Mr. Voyles, you've done wrong. You've admitted that," Oliver said. "You need to pay your debt to society and put this behind you."

Taking the stand to address the court, Voyles openly admitted to the charges and expressed remorse for his actions.

"If [the victim] was here today, I would beg for her forgiveness," he said.