Bluffton police report the suspect conviction and closure of a 2009 sexual assault investigation, according to Rick Skillier, Bluffton police chief.

Police were contacted in July, 2009, to investigate allegations of some form of sexual activity between a female juvenile and a 19-year-old male. The investigation led to a five count indictment of Jeremy L. Perrine, 19. Each of the five counts was for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, with all counts being fourth degree felonies.

On Jan. 28, 2010, Perrine entered a guilty plea on one count of the indictment in Judge Richard K. Warren's courtroom. The additional charges were dismissed as part of the plea negotiation process.

Judge Warren sentenced Perrine to 86 days in jail, with credit given for 26 days already served, ordered sex offender risk reduction program completion, required random urinalysis, and prohibited further contact with the victim.

In addition, Perrine will have to secure his GED and comply with all other rules for community control. The sentence also included an order for three years of community control (probation) following his release from jail.

Perrine was determined to be a Tier II Sex Offender, which will require him to register with his local sheriff's office for a period of 25 years, with in-person verification every 180 days.