LISBON – A Wellsville man who was supposed to be sentenced Friday on sex charges involving minors said he wants a new lawyer and wants to withdraw his plea.

A further hearing is now set for 1.20pm on November 25.

Justin R. Talbert, 23, Center Street, appeared at the last minute for his sentencing hearing before Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Bickerton, notifying his attorney in the hallway that he was done.

In the courtroom, when Bickerton asked defense attorney Aaron Schwartz if he was ready, he replied: “I don’t think we’re ready. I have been dismissed from my services.” indicating that Talbert was looking for a new lawyer.

Then Talbert said to the judge: “I would like to withdraw the plea agreement,” claiming he had a learning disability and did not understand.

Bickerton replied that she discussed all this with him when he entered the plea, she asked about his education, explained everything to him.

“I don’t let anybody come in here and beg for something they don’t understand.” she said.

In September, Talbert pleaded guilty to second-degree felony sexual assault and third-degree aggravated sexual assault, with first-degree rape and third-degree felony molestation charges to be dismissed as part of the plea deal . At the time, Assistant County Attorney Steve Yacovone said he would recommend a 10-year prison sentence, with six years on the sexual battery charge and four years on the aggravated sexual assault charge, along with designation as a Class III sex offender. which requires him to register his address with the sheriff’s office for the rest of his life.

Bickerton asked Talbert to make a decision about what would happen, telling him: “This is not a game.”

She chastised him for waiting until the last minute to tell his lawyer, blindside him and taking up the time of those who were there for the sentencing. She said she had no indication during the plea two months ago that he didn’t understand. She accused him of using a stalling tactic, waiting until the last second, and called out his actions “rather inconsiderate.”

She continued the case to Nov. 25 and told Talbert that he had better figure out the counselor’s situation by then.

“This is not a game, Mr. Talbert, this is real life.” said Bickerton.

Talbert was accompanied by family members. During the hearing, the mother of one of the young victims could be heard crying.

Assistant District Attorney Tammie Riley Jones represented the state during the hearing.

According to the indictment that was issued against Talbert last year, the alleged sexual conduct and sexual contact occurred between April 1, 2021 and September 22, 2022. The rape and sexual assault allegations involved a child who was 13 when the abuse began. . The gross sexual imposition and molestation involved another child who was 12 when the touching began.

The sexual battery indictment also noted that the sexual conduct occurred while Talbert “was a teacher, administrator, coach, or other person in authority employed by or who served in a school where the child victim was enrolled or attended.”

Talbert remains out of jail on a $150,000 cash bond.

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