A 22-year-old Hutchinson man arrested back in April in a child sex case and who was recently found competent to stand trial, entered guilty pleas Thursday as charged.
Ryan Edward O’Keefe waived his right to preliminary hearing and entered guilty pleas to rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and electronic solicitation of a child. Two of the crimes are off grid felonies meaning potential life sentences. However as part of a plea agreement, the state has agreed to recommend a departure from Jessica’s Law and allow him to be sentenced using the regular sentencing guidelines. That would allow him to serve considerably less time in prison.
The alleged crimes occurring between January 28 and January 30 of this year and involved a child, 13-years-old. He apparently used an electronic device to contact the child and they eventually met leading to the sexual encounter.
Sentencing in the case was set by Judge Trish Rose for July 26, at 3 p-m. She set it then at the request of the state as a special setting in case some family members want to speak to the court prior to the sentence being handed down.