A West Alexandria man accused of sexually assaulting and threatening a 9-year-old girl and a 10-year-old girl pleaded guilty.
According to Treble County Common Pleas Court, Carl M. Bechtol Jr., 54, pleaded guilty of two counts of rape. All other charges, including eight counts of gross sexual imposition, six counts of rape, four counts of sexual battery and one count of importuning, were dismissed.
He previously was scheduled to go to trial on Monday. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20.
As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution agreed to a recommended sentence of 11 to 16½ years.
The reported abuse to the two girls occurred over multiple incidents from March 27, 2017 to March 27, 2018.
One of the girls testified that Bechtel threatened her with a gun to her head if she didn’t listen to him. Meanwhile, the other girl said Bechtol also threatened to hurt her badly if she didn’t follow what he said.
After investigating the claims, police said Bechtol and the two girl were unknown to each other.
Bond was previously set for Bechtol at $250,000. He is being held in the Preble County Jail.
