WEST BATH, Maine (AP) — The founder of a youth theater group in Maine has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing eight children.

Fifty-seven-year-old Henry Eichman pleaded guilty Wednesday under the Alford doctrine, meaning he did not admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors had enough evidence to win a conviction. The Topsham resident’s attorney says Eichman wanted to avoid putting anyone through an unnecessary trial.

Eichman was one of the founders of the Midcoast Youth Theater. He was accused of exploiting children in that program and at Saint John’s Catholic School in Brunswick, where he was a part-time drama teacher.

Eichman also will have to register as a sex offender.