Preble County man accused of sexually abusing girls pleads guilty

A West Alexandria man accused of sexually assaulting and threatening a 9-year-old girl and a 10-year-old girl pleaded guilty.

Carl M. Bechtol Jr., 54, pleaded guilty of two counts of rape on Monday, according to Preble County Common Pleas Court records. 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, according to court documents.

The reported abuse occurred over multiple incidents from March 27, 2017, to March 27, 2018, according to Eaton Municipal Court records.

One of the girls said Bechtol threatened her and pointed a gun at her head, according to an affidavit. The other girl reported Bechtol threatened to hurt her if she reported him.

Bechtol and the girls are known to each other.

Credit: Preble C

Credit: Preble C

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