By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COVINGTON - In a move that spared seven boys from testifying, Larry Eugene Howell pleaded guilty to sodomizing the children in exchange for a 35-year prison sentence.

Howell

"It's the end of a sad chapter for the community," Kenton Commonwealth Attorney Bill Crockett said, "and hopefully these boys can move forward in their life."

The 41-year-old Erlanger man, whose case gained notoriety when he was shot in the groin by an angry mother, will be eligible for parole in 10 years under the plea agreement reached Monday night.

Howell pleaded guilty to 23 counts of third-degree sodomy, 12 counts of second-degree sodomy, 10 counts of use of a minor in a sexual performance, one count of unlawful transaction with a minor and one count of first-degree persistent felony offender.

He had originally been indicted on 58 counts of sodomy and sexual abuse.

Jaymie Hutchins shot the family acquaintance Nov. 27, 2001, after her 13-year-old son told her that Howell had molested him.

A charge of assault was dropped when a Kenton County grand jury refused to indict her.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com