GREENVILLE — A Yorkshire, Ohio, man pleaded “not guilty” to rape charges during an arraignment hearing Wednesday in Darke County Common Pleas Court.
Samuel G. Poeppelman, 22, was arrested by Darke County deputies at his residence September 18. He is accused of raping a woman September 16 following a party at the victim’s residence in Greenville. The arrest affidavit states during the interview with deputies that Poeppelman admitted to committing the offense.
Poeppelman was represented in court by defense attorney Kevin Lennen. Darke County Prosecuting Attorney R. Kelly Ormsby represented the state.
Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan P. Hein asked the defendant if he understood the charges against him, in this instance, two, first-degree felony counts of rape.
“Yes sir,” said Poeppelman.
If convicted on both charges, Poeppelman could be imprisoned for up to 22 years and be fined up to $40,000 (11 years, $20,000 on each count). He would also be required to register as a sex offender and would be subject to five years of post-release supervision. Poeppelman has no known prior felony convictions.
Poeppelman is currently free on $100,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 27.
