A Lakeland man who sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in 2018 was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Wednesday.

Jessie Thomas, 29, was also designated as a sexual predator.

Assistant State Attorney Randall Daugustinis prosecuted the case.

The sexual assault occurred in July 2018. Thomas was confronted about molesting the child during a recorded phone call several weeks after the victim came forward about the assault.

He admitted he touched the girl, saying it was a mistake.

“I was stupid,” Thomas said during the call. “I’m stupid, OK?”

State Attorney Brian Haas thanks Assistant State Attorney Daugustinis and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for investigating the case.