A Columbia man was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison after admitting he gave cocaine and alcohol to an underage girl two years ago.

Gary D. Carter, 49, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of first-degree child endangerment. He had previously been charged with second-degree statutory rape and two counts of second-degree statutory sodomy.

According to a probable cause statement filed in Boone County Circuit Court, a 14-year-old girl complained to Columbia police in May 2005 that Carter got her high on marijuana and cocaine and had sexual intercourse with her a month earlier. The girl also detailed other times Carter "cuddled" with her and touched her, the statement said.

Public defender David Clayton said the amended charge was filed because the rape and sodomy allegations were unsubstantiated by physical evidence. Clayton also said the defense uncovered motive for the girl to fabricate the story.

Circuit Judge Gene Hamilton sentenced Carter to seven years in a state prison, consistent with a recommendation by Assistant Prosecutor Richard Hicks.

Hamilton accepted Clayton’s request to have Carter complete long-term substance abuse treatment through the Department of Corrections. If Carter successfully completes the 12-month program, Clayton said, he would be eligible to be released on probation.

Carter admitted to Hamilton that he gave cocaine and alcohol to the girl. Pleading guilty yesterday avoided a potentially "ugly" trial, Clayton said. Carter will also not be considered a sex offender because of the amended charge, Clayton said.

At the end of yesterday’s hearing, Hamilton also accepted Clayton’s request that Carter be allowed to remain free to attend to personal matters. Clayton told the judge Carter is in the process of selling his house and settling debt before going to prison.

Hamilton ordered that Carter surrender to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department before 8 a.m. Aug. 20.

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