A 61-year-old Clinton man accused of molesting a young girl three years ago may face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of the charge against him, court documents indicate.

Prosecutors charged Larry E. Godsey in Island County Superior Court Sept. 19 with child molestation in the first degree.

Detective Laura Price with the Island County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case after receiving a referral from Child Protective Services.

The father of the alleged victim claimed that Godsey molested his daughter when she was less than 12 years old, Price wrote in her report.

Initially, the father said he didn’t want the detective to interview the girl, but hoped she would heal and get help through therapy. The man claimed that Godsey admitted to molesting the girl, apologized and promised to leave the island and get sex-offender treatment, the report states.

Price wrote that Godsey was still on the island months later and hadn’t sought treatment.

A relative of Godsey’s reported that he confessed to his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and was excommunicated, but could return after seeking treatment, the report states.

After learning that Godsey hadn’t followed through on his promise, the girl’s family decided to let her be interviewed. She told the detective that Godsey molested her on more than one occasion, Price wrote.

If convicted of the charge against him, Godsey could face more than six years in prison under the standard sentencing range.