Corby Blanton of Caledonia appeared in Morrow County Common Pleas Court on November 30 to enter into a plea agreement regarding the five counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor he was charged with in Spring of this year.

Blanton appeared with his attorney James Mayer before Judge Robert Hickson, Jr. to enter a guilty plea on all counts. Blanton, a pastor and former substitute teacher, was indicted in January of 2015 after an investigation by Cardington Police, who allege the conduct occurred over the course of four years when the victim, whom Blanton met during his employment with Cardington schools, was a teen.

Each offense is a third degree felony and carries a possible 9 – 36 month prison term and up to a $10,000 fine. A conviction would classify Blanton as a Tier II sex offender, requiring him to register for 25 years with the sheriff of the county he resides in and to verify his address every 180 days. He could also be subject to five years of post-release supervision.

Asst. Prosecutor David Homer will recommend Blanton be incarcerated for five years.

Blanton has regularly reported to pre-trial services and complied with all bond requirements and remains free on bond. A pre-sentence investigation will be performed and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 3, 2016 at 1 pm.

Reach Randa Wagner at 419-946-3010, ext. 1803 or on Twitter@MorrCoSentinel.

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By Randa Wagner

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