A 13-year-old from Tiffin gave accounts to a jury Thursday afternoon, describing how he was sexually assaulted by 21-year-old Andrew J. Depinet, of Tiffin, from April to June of 2011.
The youth described several incidents involving Depinet continually asking to engage in sexually explicit actions.
The jury trial for Depinet began Thursday. He faces two counts of gross sexual imposition, one count of attempted rape and one count of importuning.
Seneca County Common Pleas Judge Steve Shuff was the presiding judge.
Twelves jurors and an alternate were seated and given preliminary instructions from Shuff.
In opening statements, Prosecutor Rhonda Best briefly described details of the case.
Jurors are to hear testimony from from Sgt. Kevin Reinbolt of the Seneca County Sheriff's Office criminal division, an interview with Depinet, Deputy Chris Weimerskirch, and of the victim, who was 12 at the time of the alleged crimes, Best said.
"The defendant met the victim in 2010 while working at Kroger, at school, and while helping him with his concessions trailer," Best said.
Depinet, 19 at the time of the incident, created a friendship with the victim; they would drive around, work at his concessions stand at flea markets, go out to eat and to the movies, Best said.
"The victim considered the defendant a friend and began to ask him about certain things, about sex," Best said.
"The defendant would then continually ask the victim to engage in sexual actions," Best said, "the defendant would also send sexually based text messages to the victim."
"The victim was not legally able to consent to these actions," Best concluded.
In his opening statement, Depinet's attorney, Richard Khaler, described Depinet as a mentor in the community by being a section leader in the school band and a monitor on the school bus.
Khaler said he will be presenting testimony from parents of children Depinet has befriended.
"I wasn't there, I don't know what happened," Khaler said, "but these are the accounts of a 12-year-old."
"A.J. Depinet has pleaded not guilty and continues to stand by that plea," he said.
"Depinet has a reputation built with adults, family and friends of being responsible," Khaler said.
"I will bring you testimony of parents that entrusted their children with A.J.," Khaler said. "We will see what unfolds throughout the course of the trial."
Depinet's trial continues today.
If convicted, Depinet could face up to 23 years in prison and a fine of up to $45,000 according court documents.
