By First Coast News Staff

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A man accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old girl from Jacksonville Beach and taking her across the country has been sentenced to eight years behind bars.

In court Monday, Owen Crutcher apologized to the girl's family and said he made a bad decision. Crutcher had claimed the girl went with him willingly.

He was sentenced for unlawful intercourse with a minor and interference with custody. Charges of kidnapping, which could have resulted in a life sentence, were dropped as part of a plea deal. Crutcher will, however, be designated a sexual offender.