Gene Kaaz, of Wilmington, to face January jury trial

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WILMINGTON – A local man could potentially face trial in January for alleged sex crimes — including five charges of rape against someone close to him.

Gene Kaaz, 36, of Wilmington, is charged with five counts of rape in the first degree, three counts sexual battery in the third degree, three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in the third degree and three counts of importuning in the fifth degree.

According to the indictment, obtained by the News Journal, the alleged crimes occurred between September 2009 and March 15, 2015.

The victim was around 9 years old when the alleged crimes began occurring, according to the indictment, and went on for about six years.

If convicted, Kaaz could receive life without parole, according to Brian Shidaker, Clinton County’s chief felony prosecutor, in a previous News Journal story.

As previously reported, Wilmington Police Chief Duane Weyand said a three-month investigation began March 19.

Kaaz was indicted June 22 and arrested in Hamilton County before being transported to the Clinton County Jail where he remains incarcerated on a $100,000 bond.

He has a final pre-trial hearing scheduled for Nov. 23 at 2 p.m., to accept or deny the “best and final” plea deal offered by Shidaker.

If Kaaz declines the deal, a jury trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 26 at 9 a.m.

Reach the newsroom by calling 937-382-2574 and asking for the newsroom, or Twitter @WilmingtonNews.

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Wilmington man charged with 14 sex crimes offered final deal

By Dylanne Petros

For the News Journal

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