Cadiz man weighs plea offer in sex case

Coda L. Boyd of Cadiz, who faces 12 1/2 to 18 years in prison if convicted at trial, is expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to accept a plea offer from the state.

Boyd appeared on the record May 26 before Judge T. Shawn Hervey, who reviewed the charges and possible penalties. Prosecutor Lauren Knight confirmed the state had made an offer, but said it would remain available only until Boyd’s next pretrial, set for 10:30 a.m. June 9. Details of the offer were not discussed in open court.

Boyd faces three charges: first-degree felony rape, third-degree felony sexual battery and fourth-degree felony gross sexual imposition.

“These are serious charges and I want to make sure that you fully comprehend the possible penalties,” Hervey said.

Hervey said the rape charge carries up to 11 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. He also explained Ohio’s indefinite sentencing provisions and said Boyd would be required to register as a sex offender for life if convicted.

The sexual battery charge carries up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Gross sexual imposition, a Tier 2 offense, carries up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Hervey said prison would be mandatory for the first two charges.

When Hervey initially said the offer would no longer be available after that day, Knight corrected him, saying it would remain open until the next pretrial.

“You’re lucky,” Hervey told Boyd, “as she said she’d keep it open till the next pretrial.”

In another case involving sex-related charges, Ralph D. Robinson did not appear on the record as talks continued in chambers. Robinson faces nine charges of pandering involving a minor, ranging from second- to fourth-degree felonies. He also faces two charges of illegal use of a minor, carrying second- and fifth-degree felony classifications.

Robinson’s next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 30. He is represented by Logan B. Graham.

A correction is needed for a May 2 story, “Emery final pretrial reset for June 30.” Jacob A. Leach was mistakenly listed as the defendant. Leach is the attorney representing Josh B. Grim, the defendant.