The celebrated poker player known as "Amarillo Slim" has pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor assault charges for inappropriate physical contact with a 12-year-old girl, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Thomas Austin Preston, 75, who is known around poker tables as Amarillo Slim was sentenced to two years deferred adjudication -- essentially two years probation -- and fined $4,000 by a judge in the northwestern Texas city of Amarillo on Tuesday, Oldham County, Texas prosecutors said.

Preston could have faced felony charges, which would have brought a much more severe sentence. The girl was a relative of the poker player, according to documents presented in court.

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Oldham County prosecutor Kent Birdsong said the girl's family was pleased with the plea bargain.

"This was ultimately best for the victim and her family, and reflects their wishes and desires in resolving this difficult time in their lives," Birdsong said.

Preston must seek and pay for counseling for the victim as part of the plea bargain.

Preston, who was not immediately available for comment, has won the World Series of Poker and is an inductee into the Poker Hall of Fame.

Source: Reuters