A 20-year-old Lawrence man on Friday morning entered a no-contest plea to a sex-crime charge involving a 15-year-old Lawrence girl.

Christopher G. Melott entered the plea to one count of indecent liberties with a child after he initially faced two more serious charges in the case. Douglas County prosecutors accuse Melott of having a sexual relationship with the girl, whom police said he was acquainted with, in May in Lawrence. Police arrested him in June after a parent of the girl called officers. Chief Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan said Melott told police the incident occurred at Burcham Park.

District Judge Sally Pokorny told Melott on Friday morning in court that he could face a prison sentence from two years and seven months to more than 11 years, depending on his criminal history. Attorneys said they think Melott faces a five-year sentence, but defense attorney Michael Clarke is expected to ask Pokorny to depart from state guidelines at the Oct. 20 sentencing.

Melott had been on parole since February after serving one year in prison on several theft and burglary convictions in Douglas County.