MEDINA – A city man pleaded not guilty in court today to a series of sexual-related charges that include two counts of rape.

James McDonald, 48, of 880 Deepwood Drive, appeared in Medina County Common Pleas Court this morning to face one count of rape of a child younger than age 13, a first-degree felony; another rape count, also a first-degree felony; one count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony; and one count of importuning, which is a fifth-degree felony.

McDonald allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a 10-year-old girl in May 2005. The girl reportedly knew McDonald and was one of his daughter’s friends, according to a Medina Police report.

McDonald has lived with his parents on Deepwood Drive since 2003, according to court records. His two children also reside at the home.

The sexual imposition and importuning counts stem from alleged incidents in April of this year, according to an indictment.

“The victim’s parents brought her forward and made us aware of the allegations,” Police Chief Pat Berarducci has said.

Berarducci noted police began investigating the allegations around May 1.

Judge Christopher J. Collier set June 29 as a trial date for McDonald. A pre-trial hearing was slated for June 23.

McDonald is being held at the Medina County Jail on $150,000 bond.

Contact Steve Grazier at (330) 721-4012 or sgrazier@medina-gazette.com.