HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man charged in a child sex case entered a plea to one of the two charges against him.
Steve Love Jr. entered a “no contest” plea to one count of rape while the state dropped a second count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He repeatedly raped a young girl under the age of 14 over a three-year period.
The case was filed as a Jessica’s Law case, meaning he could have been looking at a sentence of 25 years with no chance of parole, however as part of the agreement, the state agreed to a downward departure from Jessica’s Law to a Level one felony. Both sides at sentencing will recommend the mid-range number in the sentencing grid box.
The case was brought to the attention of the police after the alleged victim told adults of what was happening. Police came to Love’s residence as he was pulling out of the driveway with his bags packed. He was taken into custody.
The hearing Monday was in front of Magistrate Judge Cheryl Allen, however, sentencing will be in front of Judge Tim Chambers on Dec. 18.
Love remains jailed on a $75,000 bond.