DETROIT (Reuters) - A Michigan father pleaded no contest on Thursday to unlawful imprisonment in a case involving his three sons who have been missing since last November.

John Skelton's three boys Andrew, Alexander and Tanner were ages 9, 7, and 5 when they were reported missing eight months ago.

Extensive searches in southeastern Michigan and northwestern Ohio yielded little clue to their whereabouts.

Skelton told law officials at the time that he gave his boys to an organization to care for them because he planned to commit suicide. He said that he feared for his children's safety at the home of his ex-wife.

The children lived in Morenci, Michigan, where the police chief has said he believes that John Skelton killed the boys.

Skelton will be sentenced on September 15 on three counts of unlawful imprisonment. He could receive up to 15 years on each charge, but the sentences would be served concurrently, Lenawee County court officials said.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by Greg McCune)