Two area men recently entered pleas in separate cases in Defiance County Common Pleas Court alleging child sexual abuse, one of them carrying the possibility of life imprisonment.
In that case, Manuel Canales, 24, Evansport, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, each a first-degree felony, according to Defiance County Prosecutor Morris Murray. Each count is punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment because the victim — a young girl — was less than 13 years old
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and his bond was continued. Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 13.
His bond is $2 million with a 10% allowance provision.
A third count of rape, a first-degree felony, will be dismissed at sentencing as part of the plea agreement between Murray's office and Canales' attorney, Cam Stanley of Defiance.
According to Murray, the victim's age ranged from six to nine as the conduct was ongoing over a period of time.
"These cases are obviously very disturbing and very sad and difficult for everyone involved," he stated. "The defendant, by these pleas, has accepted the consequences available under Ohio law for these outrageous acts of child sexual abuse."
Canales was being Wednesday in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO) where he has been held since May 15. His bond is $500,000 with a 10% allowance provision.
In a separate case, Dorian Venable, 26, 1600 S. Clinton St., pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging him with three counts of sexual battery, each a third-degree felony.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and the defendant's bond was continued. Sentencing was scheduled for July 17.
An indictment for three counts of rape, each a first-degree felony, will be dismissed at sentencing as part of the plea agreement between Murray's office and Venable's attorney, Steven Sondergaard of Defiance.
That indictment had alleged that Venable engaged in sexual conduct with a girl under the age of 13. The penalty for the rape charges in the indictment would have carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
"We view the sexual battery charges as a substantial consequence," explained Murray. "He will be a lifetime sex offender registrant and be subject to up to 10 years in prison. The agreed plea was reached after considering the input of the victim/victim's family."
Venable was being held Wednesday in CCNO where he has been held since Jan. 20. His bond is $2 million with a 10% allowance provision.
Most Popular
Comments / 0