LISBON — An East Liverpool man charged with four counts of first-degree felony rape is expected to enter a plea agreement and face immediate sentencing at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Brett Thompson, 20, Dairy Lane, was originally scheduled to face a jury trial on Monday, but during a telephone conference Thursday, Judge Scott Washam canceled the upcoming trial after confirming a resolution had been reached.

Washam spoke with attorneys for both the state and the defense by telephone, with the state represented by Assistant Attorney General William Walton II and Thompson represented by defense attorney Edward Hartwig. Hartwig waived an appearance by his client, so Thompson was not present in the courtroom or by phone.

Walton was assigned to prosecute the case after the Columbiana County Prosecutor’s Office cited a possible conflict. Defense attorney Joseph Ohlin also represents Thompson.

During a previous hearing, there were indications that the two sides were negotiating.

Both Walton and Hartwig indicated Thursday there would be a plea, but no details were discussed about the pending plea deal, with Walton saying they the plan was to proceed to immediate sentencing. Washam asked if this would be a jointly stipulated sentence and Walton said yes.

Thompson remains out of jail on a $100,000 cash or surety bond, with an order to have no contact with the victim.

According to the indictment, Thompson allegedly compelled a woman to submit by force or threat of force to sexual conduct from Oct. 1, 2023 to Oct. 2, 2023, with each count representing a different form of sexual conduct.