WARREN, Ohio-David L. Varner, a 46-year-old man from Champion, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and one charge of gross sexual imposition in connection to the Christmas Eve 2023 rape of an 8-year-old girl. In exchange for his plea, other charges were dismissed.
Judge Sean O’Brien designated Varner a Tier 3 sex offender, requiring him to register every 90 days with the sheriff’s office if released from prison. Varner forced the girl to participate in sexual acts on December 24, 2023. O’Brien issued a no-contact order and revoked Varner’s bond. A sentencing date has not been set, but Varner faces 15 years to life in prison.
