BY The Associated Press
HAMILTON, Ohio -- An 800-pound man who could not readily be moved to court has pleaded no contest to charges alleging he allowed three boys to view pornographic films in his home.
The Butler County Juvenile Court hearing for Denny Welch was held in his home Wednesday because court officials were told that Welch's weight and health problems made it difficult to move him.
Mr. Welch, 37, agreed to the plea bargain to avoid a scheduled June 16 court hearing. He was charged with having allowed three boys, ages 11 to 13, to view pornographic films in his Hamilton home. He pleaded no contest to three counts of disseminating harmful material to juveniles. The plea means Mr. Welch does not contest the evidence presented against him, but does not admit guilt.
Mr. Welch had said he did not know the boys were in his house. He said he was bedridden and groggy from medication at the time.
The charges are misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $225 fine on each count.
Judge David Niehaus ordered Welch to have no contact with juveniles, to receive counseling in his home and to pay court costs and attorney fees. Mr. Niehaus also scheduled a hearing for Dec. 2, during which he will consider dismissing the charges against Mr. Welch.
"I'm very happy that it's all kind of died down now," Mr. Welch said. "It's been a circus for me and my family."
Defense lawyer Leslie Holden Rauh told the judge last month that up to 10 people are needed to move Welch, who is unable to walk. He has diabetes and high blood pressure, Ms. Rauh said.
Mr. Welch is a former cross-dressing performer whose stage name was "Eartha Quake."
Television talk show host Jerry Springer visited Mr. Welch in 1996 and arranged hospital treatment for him. In order to transport Welch, a wall had to be removed from his home.
