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LISBON -- The trial for a Wellsville man accused of rape and other sex-related charges involving two juveniles has been moved to Sept. 24.
Justin R. Talbert, 22, Center Street, had been scheduled to face a jury trial next week on April 9 before Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton, but attorneys for both sides made a joint motion for a continuance Monday.
During the status hearing, county Assistant Prosecutor Steve Yacovone said that will give them more time to negotiate and come to a possible resolution of the case. Yacovone was accompanied by county Assistant Prosecutor Tammie Riley Jones. Talbert was represented by defense attorney Aaron Schwartz.
Talbert was charged last year with first-degree felony rape, second-degree felony sexual battery, and third-degree felonies of gross sexual imposition and importuning.
According to the indictment, the alleged sexual conduct and sexual contact occurred from April 1, 2021 to Sept. 22, 2022. The rape and sexual battery charges involve a child who was 13 years old when the abuse began. The gross sexual imposition and importuning involve a child who was 12 years old when the touching started.
A status hearing was set for 10 a.m. Sept. 9. Bickerton continued Talbert's bond of $150,000 cash or surety, which was posted in February to secure his release. He remains out of jail on the bond.
Bickerton told both attorneys that in the event there's a resolution of the case, another hearing can be scheduled.
Also in Common Pleas Court:
-- Constance Adams, 33, Youngstown, was placed on an intervention plan for two years after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony, for possessing cocaine on May 4, 2022.
-- Desare Callehan, 28, Grimms Bridge Road, East Liverpool, was placed on an intervention plan for two years after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine, a fifth-degree felony, for possessing cocaine on Jan. 7, 2023.