TROY — A repeat sex offender who prosecutors said reported his most recent crime to police was sentenced Monday to 42 months in prison as part of a plea deal.

Michael R. Finley, 29, of Sidney and formerly of Piqua, was sentenced in Miami County Common Pleas Court on a felony charge of gross sexual imposition. He pleaded guilty in July.

Finley was on post-release control for a previous sex-related offense when he was charged in January by Piqua police for an offense involving a child under age 13.

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“I’m really sorry for what I’ve done. I know it was wrong,” Finley said. “I have a problem. I know I need help.”

Paul Watkins, an assistant county prosecutor, said Finley reported his offense to Piqua police, who investigated and filed the charge.

Watkins said a deal with reached with Finley and his lawyer because prosecutors “had some issues with the case in terms of victims and the ability to testify in court.” While he realized Finley was a repeat offender, Watkins said the plea bargain was preferred to possibly failing to get a conviction.

Finley previously served two prison terms on charges including unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, sexual imposition and compelling prostitution.

He was classified as a Tier III sex offender. The designation will require him, after prison release, to register his address with the sheriff’s office in the county he lives every 90 days for the rest of his life.

Finley had been free on bail since early June after posting $25,000 surety bond.

Before he was led from the courtroom by deputies, he asked Judge Jeannine Pratt if she would allow him to attend his grandmother’s funeral later Monday and then report to jail for the transport to prison.

Pratt said she had granted Finley a continuance of a previously set sentencing date. Noting he was convicted of a serious sex offense, she denied Finley’s request and had deputies take him into custody.