Travis Branstetter Pleads Guilty
By Debra Tobin
[with video] LOGAN — Travis Branstetter, a former youth pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in South Logan who was charged with 10 counts of sexual battery and four counts of sexual imposition in October 2011, appeared in Hocking County Common Pleas Court with his attorneys Kevin O'Brien and Tom Martello as part of a plea agreement on Tuesday. Branstetter pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted gross sexual imposition, all fifth degree felonies. Upon request by the victim's family, Hocking County Assistant Prosecutor Bill Archer addressed the court with regard to a plea agreement with Branstetter. Family members of the victim, as well as church members and Branstetter's family gathered in the court room in anticipation of the change of plea. Although all parties involved were in total agreement, they appeared saddened as the judge and attorneys spoke about the agreement and Branstetter's subsequent sentencing. In accordance with the agreement, Branstetter pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted gross sexual imposition, which are felonies of the fifth degree. According to visiting judge Dale Crawford, who presided over the court, Branstetter could face a sentence of 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine on each count. As part of the plea agreement, it was suggested Branstetter be placed on five years community control, seek counseling, register as a sex offender, and report in person to the Hocking County Community Control Office once a month with regars to his employment and residence. Crawford said if Branstetter violates any of the conditions as stated in the plea agreement, he will be placed in prison. Crawford also said that as the judge presiding over the case, that he is not bound to the agreement and during sentencing that it's possible he could choose to place Branstetter in prison. "After extensive discussion with the family, and at their request, the state negotiated a plea agreement in State vs. Branstetter," Hocking County Prosecutor Laina Fetherolf said in a written statement after the hearing. "While we realize the entire community has a stake in this case, ultimately the heaviest weight is born by the victim and her family, and we were attempting to spare them from potential embarrassment and public knowledge of private matters," Fetherolf said. "It is our goal to protect our victims. We make every effort to avoid causing them further emotional distress and embarrassment if we are able to do so and still achieve a resolution of the case that is satisfactory to them," she added. "We were fully prepared to try this case, however, they asked that we attempt to avoid a trial if possible, and we were able to do so," Fetherolf said. The Hocking County Sheriff's Office and Hocking County Children's Services, who investigated the case, also supported the agreement. Branstetter's attorneys asked the court for permission for their client to relocate to Mansfield to reside with his wife, who recently accepted an employment position in that area. Crawford agreed, but said, "I'll grant that request, but Mr. Branstetter must report at least once a month in person to Hocking County for community control in regards to his employment and residence." It also was requested that Branstetter be able to have contact with his nieces and nephews before sentencing. Branstetter has not been allowed any contact with children per his bond. Crawford also agreed to the request. Crawford then reminded Branstetter that he is not allowed to have any contact with the victim or the victim's family, and any attempt will be a violation of his plea agreement. O'Brien or Martello declined to comment on their client's behalf following Tuesday's hearing. Branstetter will be sentenced at 10 a.m., Dec. 21, in Hocking County Common Pleas Court. Contact: dtobin@logandaily.com
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