COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A judge has changed what was meant to be a sentencing to a hearing on a man’s request to withdraw his guilty plea to a charge of harassing an Ohio sheriff for nearly 20 years via letters, emails and websites.
A criminal affidavit filed last year said the harassment began in 1999 when Columbus resident William Young was arrested by Russell Martin, who was a Delaware County deputy and is now the county sheriff.
Young pleaded guilty in federal court earlier this year to a charge of cyberstalking.
Young now wants a trial, saying he surprised to learn he was facing a maximum five years even after pleading guilty.
The government says Young waited too long to withdraw the plea.
U.S. District Judge Michael Watson will hold the hearing Tuesday.
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