NAMPA - A man convicted of inappropriately touching a young girl at a Treasure Valley recreation center has been sentenced to prison.

John Bujak, Canyon County prosecutor, said Monday afternoon that Harold Rutledge, 40, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the battery charge. He'll have to serve three years before he's eligible for parole.

Officials say Rutledge went to the Nampa Recreation Center to "find a girlfriend" and eventually became attracted to an 11-year-old girl. Bujak says the 40-year-old man approached the girl two times and touched her with the intent to commit the crime of lewd conduct.

"Mr. Rutledge poses a risk to the community, especially in light of his statements...," said Erica Kallin, deputy prosecutor.