Portland man accused of rape pleads to lesser charge

A Portland man accused of committing rape has pleaded to a lesser charge.

Life T. Farley, 20, 118 W. 2nd St., pleaded guilty Friday in Jay Circuit Court to criminal confinement with moderate bodily injury, a Level 4 felony. The charge was reduced from a Level 3 felony for criminal confinement resulting in serious bodily injury. 

Farley had been facing a Level 1 felony charge for rape when compelled by force or imminent threat of force resulting in serious bodily injury, which in Indiana carries a 20-to 40-year sentence. The charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement filed Friday.

Other charges — a Level 5 felony for domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury and a Level 6 felony for domestic battery committed in the presence of a child younger than 16 years old — were also dismissed.

According to information filed in connection with the case, Farley allegedly “did knowingly or intentionally have sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct” with a woman on or around Feb. 9, with court documents also alleging Farley punched, slapped and kicked the woman all over her body. The documents also say he confined her without her consent.

A no-contact order between the woman and Farley was issued in court Feb. 29.

He was arrested Feb. 16 and preliminarily charged with domestic battery, a Level 6 felony. The additional charges — rape, criminal confinement and a second domestic battery charge — were added to his case when it was filed in court Feb. 26.

Prior to pleading, a jury trial for Farley’s case had been slated for Aug. 12, 13 and 14. His sentencing hearing is now scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Aug. 14.

In Indiana, the sentence for a Level 4 felony ranges between 2 to 12 years, with an advisory sentence of six years.