Snapchat rape suspect pleads guilty

PORT CLINTON — A man allegedly caught raping a young woman on Snapchat pleaded guilty Friday to one count of rape.Danbury police arrested James Dennis Allen, 77, on Aug. 8 after a friend of the victim reported seeing video the sexual assault online. Snapchat is a mobile phone application that allows its users to share short video clips with friends.Allen was indicted on Aug. 24 on two counts each of rape and sexual battery. He accepted a deal Friday to plead guilty to one count of rape.He will be sentenced at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 8 in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court. He faces a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison and could be ordered to pay a maximum fine of $20,000, according to court records.Allen was originally scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 31 on his indictment. The trial was canceled, however, when he changed his plea to guilty on Friday.Ottawa County prosecutor James VanEerten said the victim, a 22-year-old woman, wasn't able to consent during the ordeal, which reportedly occurred inside Allen's home in the 2000 block of S. Emerald shores Drive in Danbury Township. Allen is represented by Toledo attorney James Popil.Related coverage:• Victim records her rape on Snapchat• Public horrified by Snapchat rape• Snapchat rape video being shared• Snapchat rape suspect lived executive lifestyle• Snapchat rape suspect can't pay attorney• Grand jury indicts Snapchat rape suspect• Trial set for man rape suspect• Plea change set for rape suspectReach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterAllen