ST. GEORGE — Sentencing for a St. George man who earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual abuse of a child, both third-degree felonies, was delayed on Tuesday for at least 90 days.

Gabriel E. Carlin, 35, pleaded guilty in March 2006 to the lesser charges as part of a plea bargain. He originally was charged with four counts of first-degree felony aggravated sex abuse of a child. Carlin was booked into jail at the time and released on $100,000 bail.

Court records indicate Carlin was charged with sexually abusing an 11-year-old female student who attended East Harbor Christian Academy in Washington. Information about Carlin's ministry can still be found online at eastharbor.org.

Attorneys for the defense, prosecution and victim met with 5th District Judge Eric Ludlow in his chambers for nearly an hour prior to entering court. The judge ordered Carlin to turn himself in to the Washington County jail at 6 p.m. on Friday where he would begin a 90-day diagnostic evaluation.

"After the diagnostic, based on our agreement with the state, if the sentencing recommendation includes the possibility of prison time then he has the option to withdraw his (guilty) plea," said defense attorney Larry Meyers.

Attorney Heidi Nestel, director of the Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic in Salt Lake City, said the victim and her family objected to the delay.

"This family is concerned that Mr. Carlin is a flight risk. There is a concern that he continues to have an influence in the community as a religious leader," said Nestel. "He has had three weeks to decide if he wants to alter his participation in this plea agreement."

The parents, grandparents and a family friend of the victim were in court Tuesday and appeared to be visibly upset that Carlin would not be taken into custody until Friday.

Sentencing was set for Jan. 27, 2009.

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