Fred Hlivonsky pled guilty to one charge Tuesday in a Belmont County case that dates back to 2005.
"He entered a plea to one of the two counts of his original indictment which was a third-degree felony - unlawful sexual conduct with a minor,” Belmont County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joe Vavra detailed.
The case, more than a decade old, involved a 14-year-old girl and Hlivonsky in his mid-30s. In 2019, additional DNA testing was done as the technology was more advanced, and it came back consistent with Hlinovsky’s.
He was indicted in November 2020, arraigned in February 2021, and went to trial in May 2022. But the trial was stopped on the second day because information from the rape kit was allegedly not shared between the defense and the prosecution and was scheduled a mistrial without prejudice by Judge John Vavra.
"He was charged with rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor,” Chief Assistant Public Defender Aaron Miller said. “The rape charge was dismissed.
"There was another felony charge that is not going to be prosecuted, as well as any other matter that may be under investigation."
The third felony is a bribery charge. Joe Vavra said due to the passage of time and overall plea negotiations all agreed on the one felony charge.
"We discussed all these matters with the victim in the case who agreed with the resolution and we we're happy to get a plea so Mr. Hlinovsky can acknowledge what he did to this victim and finally fighting it as long as he did."
Hlinovsky could serve up to a maximum of five years in prison for the one felony charge. His sentencing will be on Feb. 21.