NORWICH – A Sherburne man agreed to sign away his right to be indicted by a grand jury on Monday, and in return the prosecution offered him no greater than three years in prison if they were to make a deal.

Jacob F. Bishop, 20, of Sherburne was charged with first-degree sex abuse, a class D felony. Bishop appeared in Chenango County Court on Monday, and agreed to sign a superior court information in return for a max of three years in prison.

He has pleaded not guilty.

According to First Assistant District Attorney James Snashall, Bishop will only receive the benefit of their agreement if he accepts a plea agreement.

Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir Jr., said Bishop is facing a maximum of 14 years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation if another indictment were to be brought against him.

Revoir said while currently there is only one charge in this case, there is alleged to be a second victim. He said as part of the prosecution's agreement with the defendant, they wouldn't impose additional charges on behalf of the second victim.

"There is the potential for two sets of charges, for two separate victims," said Revoir. "The people would forgo a second indictment for the second victim and the defendant would receive nothing greater than three years in the New York State Department of Supervision as part of a plea agreement."