(Wentworth, N.C.) — The man authorities named as the ringleader of a teen prostitution ring will receive no jail time under a plea deal with prosecutors.

The Greensboro News and Record reports that 78-year-old Mickey Dale Snow walked out of the courtroom a free man Thursday. Prosecutors say it was the best they could do following the resignation of the disgraced district attorney who brought the charges initially.

Snow pleaded guilty Thursday in Rockingham County Superior Court to one count of aiding and abetting a prostitute who is a minor.

He was given a split sentence, with 31 days of credit for time served in the Rockingham County Jail. The rest of the 19- to 32-month sentence was suspended.

He faced a possible prison term of 33 years under charges brought by former D.A. Craig Blitzer, who resigned amid a separate scandal.

Snow was placed on supervised probation for three years and must obtain a sex offender assessment. He cannot contact the victim and must not reside in a household with a minor under 18.

In court Thursday, prosecutors described an exaggerated tale of a sex ring case created by Blitzer and the emotional toll it has taken on everyone involved.