MANSFIELD — Bryce Witchey pleaded guilty Thursday in Richland County Common Pleas Court to all 31 felony counts filed against him more than a year ago.
The 29-year-old Mansfield man entered guilty pleas to 30 counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, Richland County Prosecutor Jodie Schumacher confirmed to Richland Source on Thursday evening.
Witchey also pleaded guilty to a single count of attempted importuning.
Attorneys for the prosecution and the defense agreed to recommend a 12-year prison sentence.
Richland County Common Pleas Court Judge Brent Robinson will determine the sentence during a hearing on Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.
“I told (attorneys for both sides) I am not bound to any agreement because I am not part of any agreement,” he told Richland Source on Thursday evening.
The judge said defense attorney Bernie Davis came to his office on Thursday and said the sides wanted to have the plea hearing, which he scheduled on the same day.
Robinson ordered a pre-sentence investigation in the case.
In Ohio, a pre-sentence investigation is conducted by a probation officer after a defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty.
It involves an in-depth interview with the defendant, gathering information about their background, criminal history, and the circumstances of the offense. This information is compiled into a report for the judge to consider when determining the sentence.
Robinson said his sentencing decision will be based on that investigation and statements from the prosecution and defense, as well as the defendant, in addition to victims and others who speak during the October hearing.
Witchey has been behind bars for more than a year
Witchey was initially arrested June 14, 2024, by Mansfield police after a woman claimed he was talking to her via social media and seeking sex with her 8-year-old daughter.
That arrest led to an initial charge of attempted importuning, a fourth-degree felony.
Witchey was later indicted in August 2024 by a county grand jury on 30 counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance and the single count of attempted importuning.
Fifteen of the other 30 counts against Witchey are second-degree felonies, while 15 others are fifth-degree felonies.
Prosecutors say the alleged crimes happened between April 2023 and June 2024.
His criminal trial was originally scheduled for Sept. 22 after it was delayed at the request of defense attorney Bernie Davis. Witchey has been behind bars for more than a year.
