BUCYRUS—Joshua Benedict, 40, currently housed at the Crawford County Jail made a final appearance in Crawford County Common Pleas Court before his jury trial commences on Monday.
Benedict faces 39 counts of pandering sexually-oriented material involving a minor. Due to the age of the victim, if convicted, Benedict could serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Benedict’s attorney, Adam Stone withdrew his motion to depose a potential witness in the case. Stone had sought a second continuance after learning that the witness might not be available to testify due to a medical condition. Stone was granted a trial continuance for the first time in February for the same reason.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler pointed out to visiting Judge Howard Hall that it would be difficult to frame a deposition around testimony that might not take place.“The witness (a supervisor) is only relevant to testify to someone else’s testimony,” Hoovler said.
Stone told the court he did not disagree with the state but needed the potential witness in case the primary witness became hostile. Stone agreed to withdraw his motion for the deposition.
In other trial matters, the state and defense agreed on foundational testimony regarding a specially trained witness.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler asked to have Stone verify for the record that he had received all discovery in the case. Stone agreed noting that his efforts for the motions filed were done so as to preserve the trial date.
The journey to trial has taken just under two years due to the volumes of evidence provided in the Benedict indictment.
Jury selection will begin Monday morning in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court.