Benjamin David Vasey, 21, of Austin was sentenced to five years of probation for felony fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct-force or coercion on Thursday in Mower County District Court. He received credit for 177 days served.

A charge of felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct-force or coercion was dismissed at the sentencing as part of a plea agreement reached on Dec. 4.

Judge Kevin Siefken issued the sentence.

Court documents state that a woman met with police on July 17 and reported that Vasey had sexually assaulted her. She said the incident occurred while she was sitting in her car in a parking lot on East Oakland Avenue. Vasey opened the passenger door and sat down, asked her where she moved to, then started kissing her neck and mouth.

She said he put his hand in her shorts and inappropriately touched her before she was able to get out of the car and escape.

Vasey then fled south, but returned to ask her for a ride and started “following (her) around.” He left again and she called the police.

The woman said she was not aware if she knew Vasey and that he was intoxicated.

Police found Vasey and arrested outside the Twin Towers. He smelled of alcohol and blew a 0.14 on a preliminary breath test at the Mower County Jail.

Vasey told police he used to “mess with” the victim a long time ago. He claimed he got in her car to ask for a cigarette and that they kissed and he put his hand on her inner thigh. He said she was not upset when he left to get some beer from a friend, but she was upset when he came back. He denied touching her inappropriately.

A review of Vasey’s criminal record shows prior convictions for theft and domestic assault.

In addition to probation, Vasey must follow 22 conditions, including completing sex offender treatment, and perform 100 hours of community service. Failure to follow the conditions could result in 36 months in prison.