A federal district judge has rejected a Columbus man's request to withdraw his guilty plea to a charge of cyber-stalking the Delaware County Sheriff for nearly 20 years.
The judge ruled William Young failed to give a valid reason for withdrawing the plea he entered in January. Sentencing is pending. Prosecutors say the harassment began after Young was arrested by then-deputy Russell Martin. Young said he was surprised to learn he was facing up to five years in prison and sought a new trial. Prosecutors say Young waited too long to withdraw his plea.