Defiance man sentenced for sex with teen

A Defiance man pleaded guilty to four sexual abuse charges in Defiance County Common Pleas Court. Thomas Stephens was charged with four counts of sexual battery. The indictment alleged that Stephens engaged in sexual conduct and sexual contact with a 15-year-old female juvenile by force and coercion between Aug. 4 and Oct. 26. Stephens had been evaluated for his competency to stand trial, but was declared competent by the court in March. After his plea, his bond was continued and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered. He’ll be sentenced on June 22nd.