A west Alabama preacher has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an underage girl three years ago.

Gregory Lucy, 63, of Dixon Mills, was arrested in 2016 after being indicted on four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of attempted rape. Lucy is a bishop at El Shaddai AOH church.

According to court records, Lucy was accused of fondling the girl’s breasts and genitals in March of that year. Authorities didn’t say whether the victim was a member of Lucy’s congregation.

Lucy this week pleaded guilty in a Marengo County courtroom to one count of first-degree sex abuse. As part of his plea agreement, the other charges against him were dismissed.

District Attorney Greg Griggers is recommending a 10-year prison sentence for the Class C felony conviction, records show. Griggers said in court documents the state will be opposed to any probation or any type of split sentence for Lucy.

Lucy appeared before Circuit Judge Eddie Hardaway and declined to make a statement before the court. Hardaway then adjudicated him guilty. A sentencing date has not been set and Lucy remains free on bond.

Lucy graduated from Marengo High School and attended Bishop State Community College in Mobile. He also has degrees from International Bible Institute in Plymouth, Fla., Concordia College in Selma and the University of West Alabama.