A former Kent State student entered a guilty plea Wednesday, July 31, stemming from two charges of rape, which allegedly occurred in November 2022.

McCoy Watkins agreed to charges on two counts of gross sexual imposition by the Portage County Common Pleas Court.

Watkins waived his right to a speedy trial and a trial by jury. Prosecutors also dropped a count of burglary in exchange.

Both felonies are in the fourth degree, each carrying a maximum prison sentence of 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The plea deal means Watkins would have to register as a Tier 1 sex offender and face a maximum of two years probation for each count, following a prison sentence.

Watkins originally rejected a plea deal brought by prosecutors during a hearing on Jan. 26.

The charges come from alleged sexual assaults on two women ages 18 and 19 on the night of Nov. 11, 2022, at a party on North Lincoln Street in Kent. Both women have chosen to remain anonymous.

A grand jury indicted Watkins on two counts of rape and one count of burglary on March 31, 2023. An arrest warrant was issued to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office soon after.

The date of Watkins sentencing following the guilty plea is to be determined.

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Michael Neenan is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].