A former Clifton Forge police officer was convicted Tuesday of sexual battery.

Gary Trio entered an Alford plea to the misdemeanor charge in Alleghany County Circuit Court. An Alford plea means that Trio concedes there was enough evidence to convict him but does not admit guilt.

In exchange for the plea, Alleghany County Commonwealth's Attorney Ed Stein agreed not to prosecute a charge of object sexual penetration, which is a felony.

Trio is accused of touching an 18-year-old woman inappropriately while giving her a massage at his home, Stein said. The woman is a friend of the family and was staying at the house, Stein said.

After charges were filed in July, Trio was transferred to the town's public works department pending the outcome of the case. Trio resigned from the police department, effective Friday. He had served as a police officer for about a year and a half, the department has said.

-- Amanda Codispoti