Niles man cops plea in kidnapping, assault case; sentencing in April

YOUNGSTOWN — A Niles man could spend up to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and felonious assault charges in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Joshua Hansen, 26, of Youll Street, was scheduled to go on trial today before Judge James Evans on rape, felonious assault and kidnapping charges. Hansen, however, reached a plea agreement with county prosecutors before the trial began.

Hansen pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping and one count of felonious assault. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the rape charge.

He faces 10 years in prison on the kidnapping charge and an additional eight years in prison on the felonious assault charge.

Prosecutors are recommending that Hansen spend five years in prison for both crimes. Judge Evans, however, does not have to follow that recommendation. The judge will sentence Hansen on April 14.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com