Alford plea entered in sex soliciting case

5/21/2014

An 18-year-old Toledo man who sent Facebook messages attempting to solicit sex from an 11-year-old girl entered an Alford plea Tuesday to attempted soliciting.

Destin Garcia, of 3134 Glencairn Ave., faces up to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced June 10 by Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Myron Duhart, who found him guilty. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit to committing a crime, but acknowledges evidence is sufficient for a conviction that could result in a more severe sentence.

Jennifer Lambdin, an assistant Lucas County prosecutor, told the court Garcia knew the victim was just 11 when he sent the messages to her through Facebook Feb. 24.