A Morris County middle school principal has pleaded guilty to a child abuse charge.

Prosecutors say that Valleyview Middle School principal Paul Iantosca tried to solicit sex from a 16-year-old former student. He entered his plea Wednesday as part of an agreement with county prosecutors, who dropped charges of attempted luring and attempted sexual assault.

Iantosca faces up to 18 months in prison when he's sentenced Sept. 13, but prosecutors are expected to seek a sentence of two years of probation.

The 52-year-old Randolph resident was suspended from his post at the Denville school following his arrest in May.

Prosecutors say Iantosca sent the teen sexual messages through social media and arranged to meet him in a Denville parking lot, where he was arrested.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.