GREENVILLE — A 29-year-old man accused of raping a teen girl made his first court appearance Friday.
Hermelando Caricio Chacon, facing five felony charges, appeared before Judge Jonathan Hein in Darke County Common Pleas Court. He is being represented by defense attorney Andrew Pratt. Through his attorney, Chacon pleaded “not guilty” to all counts.
The accused was arrested October 23. He is charged with two first-degree felony rape counts, two third-degree felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (aged 13 to 16), and one third-degree felony count of abduction. He is currently being held at the Darke County Jail.
During Chacon’s courtroom appearance, Judge Hein spoke slowly and deliberately as Chacon heard the charges read against him with the assistance of a Spanish interpreter provided by the court. Chacon indicated he understood the charges and their potential penalties.
The judge told Chacon if he is convicted on all counts, he could face up to 37 years in prison and up to $70,000 in fines.
Chacon was also told he could be subject to deportation and barred from reentry, as he is living in the United States illegally. Chacon has been residing in Greenville and working at a local restaurant for an unknown length of time.
When asked if the restaurant in question could face charges or some penalty for employing an illegal alien, Darke County Assistant Prosecutor Deborah Quigley said, “That I don’t know. That would be a federal issue.”
Chacon’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 5.