A 31-year-old South Hutchinson man entered pleas to two of the five charges in a child sex case from earlier this year.

Jacob Ridley entered pleas to rape, and aggravated criminal sodomy, while the state dropped the charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated incest.

He was also ordered to Larned for a mental evaluation as part of the pre-sentence investigation at the request of his attorney, Sarah McKinnon. She told Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen that he some severe mental issues, not that he’s incompetent she stated, but that he has other issues. Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell had no problem with the Larned evaluation, but warned the judge it could take sometime for him to get into Larned, possibly as much as 60-days, then the evaluation it self could take another 60-to-90 days. Judge McEwen ordered the evaluation saying it would be helpful to the sentencing judge. He also transferred the case to Division One, the court of Judge Trish Rose. She will handle the sentencing issues.

The two charges Ridley entered pleas to are both Jessica’s Law charges meaning he could be looking at life in prison on both counts. However, McKinnon gave notice that she would be seeking a durational departure from the off grid sentence and then asking for the mitigating number of months in prison in the state sentencing grid box. She says the state will not oppose that at sentencing. Ridley also agreed as a part of the plea agreement not to attempt to appeal any sentence that is handed down.

The charges and now conviction are in association with inappropriate sexual relations with a family member, a child 14-years or younger. The alleged crime occurring on April 30.