Fostoria man admits sex-related crime involving teenager

A Fostoria man was sentenced to more than a year in prison Monday afternoon after pleading guilty to a sex-related crime involving a teenager. Johnathon F. Ridenour, 19, had been charged with sexual battery, a third-degree felony, and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony. He pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor Monday afternoon, and the charge of sexual battery was dismissed. Shuff followed the joint recommendation and sentenced Ridenour to 15 months in prison, with credit for 33 days served. Seneca County Prosecutor's Office agreed to remain silent about judicial release. Ridenour was classified as a Tier II sex offender, with in-person registration twice annually for 25 years. Angela Boes, assistant Seneca County prosecutor, said the victim was 14 years old. Ridenour's attorney, John Kahler, said he thought it was an easy mistake for a young, 19-year-old man to make. Obviously, Kahler said, Ridenour should have known better, and he thought Ridenour acted more recklessly than knowingly. Kahler said he believed Ridenour was remorseful. Ridenour declined to speak before sentencing.