A resident of Montpelier has agreed to a plea deal in Williams County Court after being charged with several sex-related offenses.
Robert Rodriguez, originally facing a second-degree felony count of pandering sexually-oriented material involving a minor or impaired person, instead pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of gross sexual imposition, classified as a fourth-degree felony. The offense carries a prison term ranging from 6 to 18 months, a maximum fine of $5,000, and the forfeiture of an iPhone identified as evidence in the case.
In addition, Rodriguez entered a guilty plea to one count of extortion, a third-degree felony punishable by 9 to 36 months of incarceration and up to $10,000 in fines.
As part of the deal, a second pandering charge related to a minor or impaired person was dropped.
Taken together, Rodriguez could receive up to 54 months behind bars and total fines as high as $15,000. He will also be obligated to register as a Tier One sex offender in connection with the amended gross sexual imposition conviction.
A sentencing hearing has been set for April 13 at 10 a.m.
Court records indicate that on Jan. 21, Rodriguez used an iPhone to record or produce material showing a minor involved in sexual activity, forming the basis of the pandering charge.
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