Joseph Geiger, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty Thursday to involuntary manslaughter in the death of David Reed.
The 43-year-old Geiger was sentenced to one to two years in prison. But with credit for time served, he could be out of prison in six months.
Prosecutors agreed to drop a third-degree murder charge in exchange for his plea.
Police say Geiger thought Reed had stolen his marijuana plants. They say Geiger punched the boy in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head against a metal wall.
Reed's body was found months after he left home on a bicycle.
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