Ohio State band trainer seeks leniency in sex assault case

COLUMBUS (AP) — A former Ohio State University drum major instructor accused of sexually assaulting a student is seeking leniency and asking that he not be put behind bars.

Stewart Kitchen pleaded guilty to a sexual battery charge last month and could face up to five years in prison when he’s sentenced next Wednesday.

Court documents allege the assault occurred at Kitchen’s Columbus home in April 2015 after he and the 19-year-old woman went out drinking. More serious charges were dismissed as part of his plea deal.

In a court filing this week, his attorney says the 29-year-old has taken responsibility for what happened and has been remorseful. The lawyer says Kitchen has an otherwise exemplary background, including extensive community involvement in Kenton, where he grew up.