St. Marys Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Charges Involving Minor

WAPAKONETA — A St. Marys man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges involving illegal sexual conduct with a minor, according to a published report in the Lima News.

Hector Hernandez, 51, entered guilty pleas Friday in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court to one count of sexual battery, a second-degree felony, and one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a third-degree felony. Eight additional charges were dismissed as part of a negotiated plea agreement.

According to prosecutors, the offenses occurred on October 16, 2025, and involved a 15-year-old female. Authorities say the incidents took place while Hernandez was working as a bus driver for St. Marys City Schools. He has since resigned from that position.

Prosecutors are recommending an eight-year prison sentence. Hernandez could face a maximum of 17 years in prison.

As part of the plea, Hernandez will be classified as a Tier 3 sex offender, requiring registration with law enforcement every 90 days for life.

The court has ordered a pre-sentence investigation and victim impact statement before sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.

Hernandez was taken into custody following the hearing and is being held in the Auglaize County Jail.