A Stroud man who entered no contest blind pleas to four counts of first degree rape and one for sexual abuse with a child under 12 has been handed life terms on each charge.
Cameron Austin Thomas Martz, 24, was formally charged Dec. 8, 2022 in Lincoln County District Court with two counts of first degree rape by instrumentation and two counts of first degree rape. On May 22 this year, the District Attorney’s Office filed the fifth felony against him.
Appearing before District Judge John Canavan on Dec. 19, Martz was found guilty as charged on each count and sentenced to life in the Department of Corrections. The judge ordered the sentences to run concurrent with each other and he gave the defendant credit for time served.
Martz is to report to the Court Clerk’s Office within 180 days of release.
Lincoln County deputies and investigators responded to a sexual assault call that led to the charges.
At the conclusion of his preliminary hearing May 19, Martz was bound over to stand trial.
Martz entered the no contest blind pleas before District Judge John Canavan and the judge received the pleas. The judge had ordered a presentence investigation.
During his arraignment May 30, Martz entered a not guilty plea and the court received the plea. A judge set the cause for the felony disposition docket on Sep. 26, the jury trial call docket Oct. 13 and a jury trial at 9 a.m. Oct. 16.
Martz entered the pleas several days prior to the trial starting.
Martz first appeared before Associate District Judge Sheila Kirk on Dec. 9 last year and she ordered his $500,000 bond to remain. She ordered that a further initial appearance be held on Dec. 15.
Counts 1 and 2, first degree rape by instrumentation, allegedly occurred between June 25, 2022 and Nov. 29, 2022 in Lincoln County with a minor under the age of 16 who was six years of age at the time.
Counts 3 and 4, first degree rape, allegedly occurred during the same time period with the same minor.
Lincoln County Deputy Steven Hinkle, in a probable cause affidavit, states he was dispatched around 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 29 to a Stroud residence in Lincoln County regarding a sexual assault call.
After visiting with Justice Martz, Hinkle contacted Lincoln County Sheriff Capt. Larry Stover, Sr., who he informed of the situation and Stover began his investigation.