A former Perrysburg man has accepted a plea deal that dismisses rape charges.
Travis Hilderbrand, 46, now living in Elmore, appeared Feb. 6 in the courtroom of Wood County Common Pleas Judge Molly Mack.
He pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual conduct with minor, a third-degree felony. Charges of rape and aggravated burglary, both first-degree felonies, and gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony, will be dismissed.
Wood County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Charles McDonald recommended a sentence of 36 months.
Mack said she could impose a prison sentence of 16-60 months.
Hilderbrand must register as a Tier II sexual offender, which will require him to register every 180 days for 25 years.
On Sept. 24, 2021, Hilderbrand knocked on the door of a Perrysburg motel. A girl cracked open the door, and he pushed his way in. Hilderbrand inappropriately touched her.
The girl was 14 years old at the time of the offense, McDonald said.
When asked by Mack if that is what happened, Hilderbrand hesitated long enough for the judge to notice.
When she commented on his hesitation, Hilderbrand said, “I have better chances at this than going to a jury.”
Sentencing was scheduled for April 17.
