Jonathan Nail, of Roachdale, Indiana, pleaded guilty to the charge this week before Judge Mike Fish of Porter Superior Court in exchange for prosecutors dropping a second count and agreeing to a four-year prison sentence, with all but eight months suspended and served on probation, according to the proposed agreement.

Nail will also have to register as a sex offender, comply with those requirements and undergo sex offender evaluation and treatment if the judge accepts the agreement, records show. A hearing on that issue is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Nail is accused of driving from his home to Valparaiso on April 13 with the intent of picking up a 13-year-old girl and bringing her home for sexual purposes, according to a court document.

During an alleged online conversation with a local vigilante decoy, Nail is said to have said, “You look older than you are.”

“Is this a good thing?” asks the decoy.

“Yes, it’s a good thing,” Nail replies.

Nail reportedly continued to raise concerns about the legal consequences of having sexual contact with a child, saying, “In the United States, it’s frowned upon to date someone your own age. In other countries, it’s fine.”

Valparaiso police have said they understand the desire to protect children from sexual assault, but warn that increasing vigilante efforts put these children and the public at risk.

“In law enforcement operations of this nature, considerations are given to the protection of all involved, including the public,” police said.

“Operational planning, prepared by trained professionals, includes contingency plans,” the department said. “Any well-prepared operation also includes coordination with the district attorney and those handling law enforcement.”