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A Juneau man was sentenced earlier this month to three years in prison for charges relating to him having cybersex with an undercover police officer posing as an underage girl.

Richard Bailey, 60, pleaded guilty to two charges of online enticement of a minor in January. His sentencing was delayed for several months because his lawyer had to undergo neck surgery and because of the conflicting schedules of lawyers and the judge involved in the case.

Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg sentenced Bailey to five years in prison with two years suspended and 10 years probation.

During one of numerous online exchanges between Bailey and an undercover cop in Arkansas posing as a 13-year-old girl, the police officer asked if she was ready for sex, according to court records.

"Should I wait until I am 14 or am I ready now?" the officer asked.

To which Bailey replied: "You are ready now."

Police said Bailey exposed himself to the undercover police officer via a webcam.

Bailey said he may have victimized more than 75 people, according to court records.

Juneau District Attorney Doug Gardner characterized Bailey as a "clear and present danger to the community" and a "parent's worst nightmare," according to court records.

"The reality is, that despite the danger Mr. Bailey presents, he will one day return to living in the community," Gardner wrote to the judge, arguing for a five-year sentence with only one year suspended. "While there is an argument that he should receive a maximum sentence, the state believes the better way to protect the community is to have Mr. Bailey subject to extensive supervision with time left to impose if necessary."

Bailey was charged with furnishing alcohol to minors in February. That charge was later dismissed.

In 1981, Bailey admitted to engaging in sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl in Ketchikan when he flashed her while she was at a skating rink, according to court records.

Bailey's criminal record also includes two charges of indecent exposure in the mid-1970s in California.

Bailey's lawyer, Thomas Nave, presented the court with a number of letters from friends, his pastor and former employers vouching for his character.

"He's one of those people that always just seems to have a smile on his face and always takes a moment to say, 'Hi,' " one former employer said. "Please be lenient when considering his sentence. Mr. Bailey has a big heart."

Nave included performance reviews and certificates of "superior customer service" Bailey had receive while working for a local grocery store.

• Contact reporter Alan Suderman at 523-2268 or e-mail alan.suderman@juneauempire.com.