A man pleaded guilty in court in Saratoga County, New York, on Wednesday to kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 13 during a weekend camping trip in upstate New York. The incident occurred when the girl went missing on a bike ride with friends at Moreau Lake State Park near Albany on September 30. The kidnapper, identified as Craig Nelson Ross Jr., wrote a ransom note in an attempt to extort money. After an extensive search involving numerous agencies, the girl was found alive on October 2 at a property in Ballston Spa, about 20 miles from the park.

According to court documents, fingerprints on the ransom note in the family's mailbox led to the identification of Ross as the suspect. Under a plea agreement, Ross faces a recommended sentence of 47 years to life in prison, which includes 25 years to life for a first-degree kidnapping charge and 22 years to life for a charge of predatory sexual assault against a child. Sentencing is set for April 17.

Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen expressed relief that Ross admitted his guilt, bringing closure to the victim and her family. Because of the guilty plea, there will be no need for the girl or other individuals involved to testify. Ross will also receive a 100-year order of protection against the child. Authorities revealed that Ross owns property in close proximity to the child's home.

CNN has reached out for comments from the girl's family and Ross' attorney; however, responses have not been provided at this time. Heggen emphasized the importance of Ross' admission of guilt in determining the culprit responsible for the kidnapping and expressed gratitude for the community's support during the search for the girl.