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ASHTABULA COUNTY, OH (WOIO) –

*** 2:37 p.m. 9/30/18 UPDATE***

Conneaut City Councilman Phillip Garcia pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

The prosecutor in court wanted the bond to be set at $150,000.

During the court appearance the prosecutor said Garcia used his position as an employer to get his victims to commit sex acts and that he has tried to contact his victims.

The judge ordered Garcia to not have any contact with any of the witnesses or victims.

*** Previous Coverage***

A Conneaut councilman is expected to appear in court for arraignment Thursday afternoon after being accused of sexually assaulting multiple teenagers.

Phillip Garcia’s hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas.

The 63-year-old was indicted and faces 26 counts for sex-related crimes that occurred between 1997 and 2005. His charges include:

  • 5 felony counts of rape
  • 15 felony counts of compelling prostitution
  • 2 felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
  • 4 felony counts of corruption of a minor

According to court documents, Garcia allegedly sexually assaulted five teens between the ages of 13 to 17. Four of the victims were employees of Garcia’s catering business.

 

READ MORE: Cleveland19.com

Article Courtesy of WOIO Cleveland 19 News

First Picture Courtesy of Christian MartA-nez Kempin and Getty Images

Second Picture Courtesy of F. Carter Smith and Getty Images

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