OXFORD – An Oxford man who admitted to molesting a 7-year-old girl appeared for sentencing at Chenango County Court this week and listened to the mother of his victim.

Richard M. Hathaway, 47, Oxford, pleaded guilty to first degree criminal sexual act, but had also been originally charged with first degree rape. Police investigators said the victim was forced into repeated sexual encounters over a period of time.

Hathaway was said to have cooperated with police and the Chenango County District Attorney’s office following his arrest.

Public Defender Alan Gordon said Hathaway waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty to the crime because above all else he wished to avoid traumatizing the victim any further with testimony or additional interviews.

Hathaway said he was “ashamed” of his actions before sentencing and apologized to the victim and her family.