Accused kidnapper pleads no contest


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PROVO -- A man accused of trying to kidnap a 4-year-old Provo girl pleaded no contest to the charges against him.

William Clyde Shepherd, 43, entered his plea Wednesday to charges of kidnapping and possession of a controlled substance.

As part of a deal with prosecutors, the kidnapping charge was reduced from a first-degree felony to a third-degree felony.

According to the Daily Herald, the judge also lowered Shepherd's bail to $9,999 cash so he could work in the kitchen while he is in jail.

Prosecutors say Shepherd tried to pull the girl from a yard near 600 North and 850 West where she was playing back in March. A babysitter heard him tell the girl, "You're coming with me."

The babysitter was able to free the girl and ran with her into the house. Shepherd chased the two and attempted to push his way inside the house while the woman pulled the door closed.

Shepherd then walked away from the home, but neighbors who saw the struggle called police and he was arrested shortly after.

He could face up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced in August.

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