A 19-year-old intellectually challenged man pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of attempted sodomy of a child, a second-degree felony, and forcible sex abuse of a child, also a second-degree felony. Two other counts were dismissed.

According to court documents, on Aug. 30 Joseph Winnen, of Tooele, fondled and attempted to have sex with an 11-year-old girl, the daughter of a family friend. The girl was being cared for by Winnen's mother. The incidents happened on three different occasions at the Winnen home.

Third district court Judge Mark Kouris ordered a 90-day psycho-sexual evaluation. This diagnostic will aid in determining Winnen's sentence.

"He's not an appropriate prison candidate," said Deputy Tooele County Attorney Gary Searle.

Both the defense and prosecution are requesting a referral to a residential treatment center for the intellectually challenged.

According to Searle, Winnen does know right from wrong, but he functions on the level of about a 9- or 10-year-old.

Winnen will be back in court Feb. 26, 2008.

sashe@tooeletranscript.com