A former Cygnet man has rejected a plea offer that could have reduced a prison sentence by more than 100 years.
Devin Beardsley, 40, of Jamestown, Pennsylvania, appeared Monday in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Molly Mack.
Beardsley was indicted in July for two counts of sexual imposition, both third-degree misdemeanors; two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, both third-degree felonies; 17 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor or impaired person, 15 which were second-degree felonies and two which were fourth-degree felonies; and one count possessing criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
Wood County Assistant Prosecutor Charles McDonald said the state had extended several plea offers, and all have been rejected.
He said the most recent offer included guilty pleas to three counts of amended pandering, making them fourth-degree felonies instead of second-degree felonies; and three counts of F2 pandering as indicted.
McDonald said with the plea, there was a potential sentence of 28.5-32.5 years in prison.
Upon his release, Beardsley must register as a Tier II sex offender, requiring registration every 180 days for 25 years.
As indicted, if he is found guilty of all 22 counts, the potential sentence is 162-166 years, McDonald said.
“Effectively a life sentence,” he said.
“My client is rejecting the offer,” said defense attorney Kent Sobran.
Beardsley’s jury trial is scheduled to start Oct. 30.
According to court documents, from April 1-30, 2021, and again from Aug. 1-31, 2022, Beardsley allegedly had sexual contact that was offensive or reckless with someone other than a spouse.
From Sept. 1-30, 2022, he allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with another person who was between the ages of 13 and 16 years old.
From May 1 to Aug. 4, 2023, he allegedly created, reproduced or published obscene material 15 times that had a minor as one of its participants or portrayed observer.
Twice on Aug. 4, 2023, he allegedly purchased or possessed obscene material that had a minor as one of its participants.
He allegedly had in his possession a 256-gigabyte external hard drive.
There is one alleged victim, McDonald said.
