By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — A Conneaut man found guilty of raping and kidnapping a 4-year-old back in 1995 did not show for his sentencing hearing late last week in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court, officials said.
Jerry Eugene Butcher, 45, 791 Main St., had been released on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond, which has been forfeited, according to reports. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, officials said.
Butcher reportedly was facing a lengthy prison sentence, officials said.
In August, a jury deliberated about five hours over two days before finding Butcher guilty of two counts of rape and kidnapping. The incident occurred in Ashtabula.
Previous charges filed against Butcher reportedly were thrown out by another court, prompting prosecutors to bring new charges, Ashtabula police said. Butcher was indicted in March 2008 on the latest set of charges.
Butcher was acquainted with the victim at the time of the assaults, according to reports.
Counsel from the state attorney general’s office prosecuted the case because of a conflict within the county prosecutor’s office. A representative from the attorney general’s office could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Attorney Paul Miller of Mentor, who represented Butcher, was not available for comment Tuesday.
Prosecutors called four witnesses during the trial, including a retired police officer and the victim, now 18 years old. Butcher took the stand in his defense, according to reports.
