A 33-year-old Hutchinson man arrested and charged with rape entered a plea in the case Tuesday Afternoon in front of Judge Joe McCarville.
William Diggs III currently not only faces the off grid charge of rape, but also aggravated indecent liberties with a child under Jessica’s Law. If convicted, both carry a life sentence with no chance of parole for 25-years. However, he entered a guilty plea to both charges and both sides will recommend a reduced sentence from the life sentence he was facing. That would be two level two person felonies. District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he made the deal so the child wouldn’t have to testify.
Diggs was arrested by Hutchinson Police after an investigation of allegations from a 12-year-old girl who told a school official of the sexual abuse. The official then reported the alleged crime to police which they are required to do. The encounter between the two allegedly occurring sometime between Valentines Day and spring break of this year. He was apparently invited to the home by the child’s parents. The child fell asleep on the couch and Diggs apparently was on the other end and that’s when the encounter occurred.
Schroeder expects Diggs to receive 190-months in prison when sentencing occurs on September 27, however, the judge is not obligated to follow any plea agreement.