Warren man pleads guilty to charges tied to robbery, kidnapping of former girlfriend

YOUNGSTOWN — A 26-year-old Warren man has again entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors for kidnapping, raping and robbing his former girlfriend, burglarizing her home and fleeing from a state trooper.

Michael Harsch, 26, of 4th Street, originally was charged with three counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated robbery, three counts of kidnapping, failure to comply with the order of a police officer, illegal possession of a weapon and improperly handling a firearm.

Harsch’s jury trial was scheduled today in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, but he entered into a last-minute plea agreement with prosecutors where the rape, improper handling, illegal possession of a weapon and firearm specification charges would be dropped. He pleaded guilty to the remainder of the charges.

Judge Maureen Sweeney will sentence Harsch at a later date.

Harsch, at the time of sentencing, could face up to 85 years in prison. Prosecutors, under the terms of the plea agreement, however, will recommend a sentence of 25-year term.

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