A Redding chiropractor pleaded guilty today to one felony count of lewd and lascivious conduct with a 10-year-old girl in exchange for having the case against him dismissed once he successfully completes an extensive sex offender counseling and treatment program.

His guilty plea would also be withdrawn, attorneys in the case said.

Edward Scott Roberts, 45, who was arrested on Dec. 24, 2009, at his Hartnell Avenue business, could face a maximum eight years in prison should he fail to complete the counseling program, and he faced a 10-year prison sentence if he had been tried and convicted .

But Redding defense attorney Keith Cope, who represents Roberts, said he’s fully confident his client will successfully finish the counseling and treatment program.

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