BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An American Indian activist accused of inciting a riot during protests in North Dakota against the Dakota Access oil pipeline reached a plea deal with prosecutors Tuesday under which the charge will be reduced to disorderly conduct and he’ll avoid jail time.

The deal awaiting a judge’s signature called for Chase Iron Eyes to serve one year of probation and pay $1,850 in fines and fees. In return, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a criminal trespass charge.

Defense attorneys called the agreement “a major victory” for their client. Prosecutors Brian Grosinger and Chase Lingle didn’t immediately comment on their decision not to take the case to trial in November as scheduled.

Iron Eyes could have faced five years in prison if convicted of the felony riot charge filed after a February 2017 incident in which he and 73 others were arrested after erecting teepees on disputed land. Authorities said the land was owned by Texas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners. Protesters said they were peacefully assembling on land they believe rightfully belongs to American Indians under old treaties.

“The world should know that it’s legally impossible for me and other Native people to trespass on treaty land, and I never started a riot,” Iron Eyes said Tuesday. “I and the water protectors are not terrorists.”