Springfield man alleged to have sexually assaulted 2 kids sentenced to 14 years in prison

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A Springfield man accused of sexually assaulting two kids was sentenced to 14 years in prison Monday.

Edgar Barrientos, 70, entered an Alford plea to a charge of gross sexual imposition and rape in the case. An Alfrod plea is not an admission of guilt, but allows the court to find the defendant guilty, Clark County Prosecutor Andrew Picek said.

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Barrientos was originally charged with many felony charges including seven counts of gross sexual imposition, seven counts of rape and two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles in 2016. He was captured by the U.S. Marshals in August 2016 at a bus stop in Trotwood. It was believed he fled the county after being charged, according to law enfrocement.

“The case involved serious allegations of sexual abuse involving Mr. Barrientos and (kids) under the age of 10,” Picek said.

The victims were known to Barrientos, Picek said.

“The victims of this case have suffered serious emotional and mental harm as a result of his acts and they will live with that for the rest of their lives,” Picek said.

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Barrientos battles health issues and at one point during the court proceedings lost competency, Picek said. However, his competency was able to be restored and the case was able to continue, he said.

Barrientos defense attorney Rebekah Sinnott said in court that he does have mental and physical disabilities and asked the judge to consider a lower sentence because of his advanced age.

Picek said that Barrientos said he does not remember committing the crimes, but prosecutors are sure they happened. He said the sentencing is fair for the serious nature of the crimes.

“That is a sentence that is effectively a life sentence for him,” Picek said. “We are satisfied that the community is safe from him.”

Edgar Francis Barrientos is wheeled into Clark County Common Pleas Court for his sentencing. JEFF GUERINI/STAFF

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