Man who assaulted teen he says was molesting child pleads guilty to lesser charge

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio (WJW) -- A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty in Willoughby Municipal courtroom Wednesday to a lesser charge in the assault of a teenager who he says was molesting a child in his home.

Rick Adams was arrested March 21, shortly after he assaulted the 17-year-old and then posted a video to his Facebook page, showing the teen bleeding and telling him to admit to what he did to the boy.

“I kinda blacked out,” Adams said previously in an interview with the FOX 8 I-Team. “I saw a 17-year-old molesting a 5-year-old. I wanted to help the young boy and that was all I was thinking about was getting it stopped.” He reiterated that in court on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old was also arrested and charged with rape. Prosecutors are seeking to try him as an adult. The case is still pending.

In Adams' case, the felony charge of felonious assault was dismissed on the prosecutor's motion; instead, an assault charge was filed, which is a misdemeanor.