A local man was finally sentenced Monday afternoon on two felony sex charges after he fled the area prior to his initial sentencing this spring.
Shawn Kerns (pictured), 33, of Bellefontaine, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison for two counts of gross sexual imposition. He was labeled a Tier II sex offender, which means he must register with the sheriff every 180 days for 25 years.
The sentencing was handled by Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark O'Connor.
In April, Kerns pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony count of gross sexual imposition and a fourth-degree felony count of gross sexual imposition.
The female victims were 8-years-old and 14-years-old.
Kerns was wanted by the Logan County Sheriff's Office after he failed to appear for sentencing in May.
On June 12th, the U.S. Marshals Black Hills Fugitive Task Force found Kerns living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation near Oglala, South Dakota.
After Kerns fled on foot, he was subdued and arrested. He was returned to Logan County on July 1st.
Last December, Kerns was indicted on one count of rape (F1), two counts of gross sexual imposition (F3), and a single count of gross sexual imposition (F4).
Kerns faced up to six-and-a-half years in prison.
