Blevins pleads guilty in rape of infant
PORT CLINTON - A Cleveland man pleaded guilty Friday to rape and admitted in open court to engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.
Arron Blevins, 24, pleaded guilty to rape, a first-degree felony, which could carry a maximum possible sentence of 11 years in prison.
As part of a plea agreement, the prosecution dismissed the previous charges, which included an additional count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony, and a rape specification that carried a maximum sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Blevins also must register as a sex offender every 90 days, beginning at the time of sentencing, and will be subject to five years of parole restrictions after his release.
Sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. April 8 in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court.
During a plea change hearing Friday, Blevins said the incident occurred while he was giving the victim a bath May 12 while at a residence in Ottawa County.
The victim was 9 months old at the time, according to reports of the Port Clinton Police Department and the Drug Task Force. The departments were informed of the situation after the victim was admitted to Firelands Hospital with a possible sexual assault injury.
Blevins also told the court he is being treated for mental illness. In July, Blevins submitted a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which has since been withdrawn.
A court-ordered psychological evaluation as well as a change in defense attorney previously caused delays in the case.