Jessup pleads to lesser sex offense
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – Paul Jessup, Randolph Co., Ind., pleaded guilty to two counts of Attempted Gross Sexual Imposition for his actions with two minors, one 14 and one under 14, early in 2013. Both are Felony 5 charges with possible prison terms of up to 12 months each.

An earlier Grand Jury indictment of four counts of Felony 1 Rape and six counts of Felony 3 Gross Sexual Imposition was dismissed and replaced by the current F5 Bill of Information charges. In addition, Jessup can be fined up to $2,500 for each charge.

If sent to prison Jessup will have five years of post release control by the Parole Board. He will have to register for 15 years as a Tier 1 Sex Offender.

Darke County Common Pleas Judge Jonathan Hein requested a pre-sentence investigation by Darke County Probation prior to sentencing in March. Jessup will remain under house arrest in his Indiana residence.

Following the hearing Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Deborah S. Quigley was only able to say it is difficult to prosecute cases when you have child victims, noting however these victims were being absolutely cooperative.

“This is just the best resolution (we have) for this case,” she said.

Jessup was represented by Kevin L. Lennen, Dayton.

Published courtesy of the Early Bird