BUCYRUS — David Chatman of Galion, formerly of Crestline, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday to plead guilty to two counts of rape, each first-degree felonies, and each punishable with up to 11 years in prison. Chatman, who was indicted in 2019, was represented by Columbus attorney Carlos Crawford.
Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold, noting the seriousness of the plea and his desire to make certain Chatman heard all proceedings clearly allowed Chatman, Crawford and Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler to remove their masks.
In April, the court granted Crawford $5000 to seek expert testimony on behalf of his client. In the plea deal, Chatman, 32, received 10 years in prison on each count of rape for a total of 20 years. Chatman will serve the entire prison sentence.
Chatman’s victim was five years old at the time of the rape. Representatives for the victim and victim advocate Jim Scott were present in the court room.
Before pronouncing sentence, Leuthold asked the state, the victim representative, Crawford, and Chatman if they had comments.
Hoovler told the court that he had agreed to the plea to save the victim from testifying in the case.
“I am proud of the victim for stepping up and being brave,” Hoovler said. “She is a wonderful little girl and I hope her future is bright.”
Crawford thanked the court for accepting the negotiated plea. Chatman had no comment. The representatives for the victim chose not to speak but agreed with the sentence.
“These are very serious charges of rape. The defendant has taken responsibility and now he’s going to take his medicine,” Leuthold said. “I accepted this negotiated plea to spare the victim further traumatization. I am glad to hear she is doing well. A lengthy prison sentence is appropriate in this case. It would have been hell for the victim to go through a trial and that’s why I’m going along with this.”
Leuthold also designated Chatman a Tier III sex offender who, upon release from prison, must register in person every 90 days with the sheriff in his county of residence. Chatman was ordered to have no contact with the victim. He will receive 531 days of jail time credit.
