YOUNGSTOWN Man awaits sex-crimes sentence

The girl consented to having sex, but it's still illegal.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A 26-year-old Auburndale Avenue man is awaiting sentencing for having sex with a girl half his age.
Ned J. Anderson pleaded guilty Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to two counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Both charges are fourth-degree felonies.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum ordered a background check before Anderson is sentenced at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 5. Anderson is being held in the county jail on a $50,000 bond.
Dawn Krueger, assistant prosecutor, said the victim was a baby sitter for Anderson's girlfriend's children. The sexual conduct took place in November 2002 and February 2003 at Anderson's girlfriend's house on East Judson Street.
The victim was apparently jealous because her older sister had also had sex with Anderson, Krueger said. She said the victim initially told authorities that Anderson had raped her, but later recanted and said the sex was consensual.
Under Ohio law, it is illegal for an adult to engage in sexual conduct with a minor, even if the minor agrees to participate. Because the girl was 13 and consented, Anderson could be charged only with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, not with rape, Krueger said.
Anderson could be sentenced to six to 18 months in prison for each count, or could be placed on probation.
Krueger said the victim, her family and the Youngstown police department all agreed to the plea bargain. Anderson has no prior criminal record, Krueger said.
bjackson@vindy.com