BUCYRUS — Arthur J. Sorensen Jr. of Lexington appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday to waive his right to a speedy trial and reject a plea deal offered by the State of Ohio.
Sorensen, 36, is facing three charges of rape, with the victim being 12 years of age. Each rape charge carries a sentence of life without the possibility of parole if convicted.
Sorensen was additionally indicted on 88 counts of use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance, each a fifth-degree felony punishable with up to 12 months in prison on each count. In total, if convicted, Sorensen faces more than 106 years in prison.
According to allegations, Sorensen was a scout leader who met the victim’s mother while her son participated in scouting. The couple began a relationship and Sorensen moved into the home of the victim. The Boy Scouts of America terminated Sorensen before he was indicted on the rape charges.
Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold held a hearing with the defendant, his attorneys and Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler on Monday. Sorensen petitioned the court to waive his right to a speedy trial in order to allow his defense team more time to prepare for trial. Sorensen also officially rejected a plea offer by the state.
Leuthold noted that he wanted to make sure that Sorensen understood the waiver he signed.
“Mr. Sorensen has a right to a fair and speedy trial, and it is my responsibility to make sure he receives all his rights,” Leuthold said. “We do not live in a dictatorship and people just cannot remain in jail indefinitely waiting on trial.
“However, in some cases defense attorneys need more time. Our usual wait is no longer than 90 days when a person is incarcerated awaiting trial. It seems that Mr. Sorensen has made a decision to waive that time.”
Leuthold asked Sorensen in detail if he understood that this could ultimately put a trial date more toward the end of the year. Sorensen indicated he did.
Sorensen’s attorney, Bradley Koffel of Columbus told the court he had lengthy conversations with his client and that he understood and agreed to the waiver.
Leuthold had Hoovler put the state’s offer of a plea on the record. Hoovler told the court the state had offered Sorensen three life sentences in exchange for three guilty pleas of rape with a possibility of parole after serving 30 years in prison.
Sorensen confirmed that he rejected the offer and wished to proceed to trial.
“I will tell you, Mr. Sorensen, that the State of Ohio has the right to withdraw this plea after this hearing and not offer any further deals to you,” Leuthold said.
Leuthold ordered a hearing be set to discuss any pretrial motions.
“I will hear all pre-trial motions in one hearing on one day,” Leuthold said. “I will make my decision at the conclusions of arguments. If the defendant is found guilty at trial, my policy is to sentence at the time of the verdict without a pre-sentence investigation.”
Leuthold told both parties that he expected jury seating to take a full day and that he is planning on calling several potential jurors for this case.
Sorensen remains in custody at the Crawford County Justice Center on a $2,000,000 bond.