AUGUSTA — A former Augusta man was placed on a two-year deferred disposition Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful sexual contact.

Michael Hawkins, 30, of Harpswell, had been indicted in February 2014 on three counts of gross sexual assault, all naming the same 12-year-old girl as the victim, and all dated between July 1 and July 24, 2012.

Those charges were dismissed Wednesday in exchange for the plea, which took place at the Capital Judicial Center.

Hawkins pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine, which is not an admission of guilt, but indicates he believes he could be found guilty if a jury believed the state’s evidence.

Under the terms of the deferral, Hawkins must undergo sex offender counseling and treatment to the satisfaction of a probation officer and pay a $10 monthly supervision fee.

If he successfully complies with those terms and avoids further criminal charges, he will be permitted to withdraw the guilty plea and the charge will be dismissed at a court hearing set for May 8, 2018.

In connection with the same case, Hawkins also pleaded no contest to charges of assault and endangering the welfare of a child. He was sentenced to two consecutive 364-day suspended sentences and one year of probation each. He also was fined $300.

Conditions of probation prohibit him from contact with the victim and with children under 16.

Hawkins was represented by attorney Leonard Sharon, and the prosecutor was Assistant District Attorney Claire Andrews.