Van Wert man admits guilt in sex act with boy

1/27/2006

VAN WERT, Ohio A Van Wert man avoided a possible sentence of life in prison Wednesday when he pleaded guilty to raping a boy last year.

Joshua Brewington, 18, entered the plea before Judge Charles Steele in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court as part of an agreement with the Van Wert County Prosecutor s Office. Under the plea deal, the prosecutor s office dropped a charge of rape against Brewington that included a specification that the victim was under 10 years of age. That specification mandates a sentence of life in prison upon conviction.

Van Wert police said Brewington had sex with the boy on June 26.

Assistant county Prosecutor Eva Yarger told Judge Steele that the boy s family had approved the plea agreement, under which Brewington faces a maximum prison term of 10 years and a $10,000 fine.

The prosecutor s office has agreed to recommend that Brewington serve a five-year term in the Oakwood Forensic Center in Lima.

Brewington is to be sentenced March 15.