COLUMBIANA – A North Shelby County man who pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old was sentenced to 10 years in prison on March 13.

William Teddy Walker, 71, of Birmingham was sentenced by Shelby County Circuit Judge Lara Alvis, according to court records.

Walker was arrested in August 2015 by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies for the alleged sexual abuse of a female younger than 12 years old.

According to the arrest warrant, Walker allegedly touched the child’s genitals, resulting in the felony sexual abuse of a child less than 12 charge.

Walker was placed in the Shelby County Jail following his arrest and posted bond the same day.

For a Class B felony with no prior felony convictions, Alabama law provides a range of sentencing from two to 20 years; however, when the victim is under age 12, there is a 10-year minimum sentence.

Walker also must comply with the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.