Mary Alice Reporting –
A man facing a felony degree for inappropriate actions with two child victims will remain in the Tuscarawas County Justice Center.
Jeffrey Pringle, 59, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of gross sexual imposition and rape with a sexually violent predator specification for the alleged incidents that occurred when one child was between the ages of eight to 12 years and the other was 12 to 14 years old.
During Monday’s court hearing, Tuscarawas Assistant Prosecutor Kristine Beard noted that the defendant had received, at various times, text messages from both female victims asking him to stop the inappropriate conduct.
“In terms of having committed an offense, he has admitted to committing these offenses. He has confirmed what the children have disclosed. He has admitted that he has a sickness and that he can’t control it, and I don’t believe there is any type of release that would protect the community from someone with that particular illness.”
Common Pleas Judge Michael Ernest confirmed that Pringle would remain incarcerated in the Tuscarawas Jail.
“Do you understand you would have had that right to challenge the state’s request to have you held without bail?
Yes, I do sir.
And you’re waiving that right to challenge no bail?
Yes, sir.
I’m going to find you made that decision knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.”
The trial date was also brought up and the original timeframe was to hold one by October 9th, but the defense attorney filed a 90-day extension. Ernest agreed to the extra time that will put the final date for trial into January; however, the judge indicated that he expects the matter to conclude before the end of this year.
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