SIDNEY — The man accused of striking a teenager and causing serious physical injuries in March, who was arrested in Texas in July, has entered a guilty plea.

Johnny L. Harness, 31, of Sidney, entered a guilty plea to one count of felonious assault, a felony of the second degree. As part of the agreement the state will recommend five years in prison.

The maximum prison term he is facing is eight years, and the maximum fine is $15,000. A prison term is not mandatory, but presumed. He will also have to complete a mandatory three years of post release control upon his release from prison.

The assault happened on March 13 2016, near the rear parking lot of the post office near the corner of West Avenue and North Street. During the assault a 16-year-old Sidney male juvenile sustained life threatening injuries which resulted in being Care Flighted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. Fortunately after extensive medical intervention the male juvenile has made a full recovery.

Samantha M. Rivera, 24, Harness’s co-defendant, entered a guilty plea last month to one count of attempted obstruction of justice, amended from obstructing justice.

Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m., and Harness is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 22 at 1:30 p.m.