“The family in this case is in complete support of the agreement and very pleased with the outcome,” the two said in a written statement. The statement stressed the difficulties of having a child testify, the further possibilities of psychological harm and the uncertainty of a verdict.

“In many cases it is most appropriate to have a resolution that we are in control of and certain of,” the two said. Family members close to the victim declined an opportunity to comment outside of court.

Taylor declined to discuss other aspects of the case, including the lack of a psycho-sexual evaluation, because to do so might reveal details about the juvenile victim.

Defense lawyer Baruch submitted nearly 30 letters from longtime friends and family members of Bourgeois that generally extolled his virtues as a father and his unfailing devotion to his children over many years.

Bourgeois, who has been involved in a number of business ventures in the Richmond area and who grew up in Henrico County, stammered when he entered his guilty pleas in May, pausing at one point to say he was entering the guilty pleas for “the protection of my family.”