Daniel L. Evans, 28, has pled guilty to two counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition. Evans faces a mandatory prison sentence of 10 years to life in prison on the rape charges, and up to five years in prison on the gross sexual imposition charge.
Sentencing will take place at a later date.
Evans was scheduled for a jury trial on the charges, but due to Evans’ guilty pleas the trial has been cancelled.
The charges pertained to a January 12 incident in which he picked up a 12 year old girl near her home. Evans took her to his apartment where they engaged in sexual conduct. The girl’s mother, who did not know where her daughter was, reported her daughter missing to the Marion Police Department. After the sexual conduct, the girl left Evans’ apartment and returned to her own home.
Evans was arrested two days later, on January 14, by Marion Police Officers. Evans has remained in jail at the Multi-County Correctional Center since his arrest.
The rape charges were due to Evans engaging in sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13. There was no allegation that Evans used force.
Although the victim was prepared to testify at trial, Marion County Prosecutor Jim Slagle stated that the victim’s family was very pleased that the case was resolved without the trial and that Evans faces a sentence which could keep him locked up for the rest of his life.
If Evans is ever released from prison he will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, and will be on five years of post-release control supervision.
