HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The jury trial scheduled to begin next week for a South Hutchinson man facing three charges associated with sexual abuse of children has been continued at the request of the defense.

Shawn Rosenberg is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, one of which falls under Jessica’s Law, meaning he could receive a life sentence on that count alone if convicted. The state made a plea offer that would have lowered the time in prison if convicted, but the defendant turned it down.

He’s alleged to have sexually abused two girls — a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old.

Rosenberg is free on bond. Judge Tim Chambers set a new motion deadline of Nov. 8. No new trial date was set.