WARREN — A Warren man was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of rape involving a young girl.

Chris Fox, 31, of Roberts Avenue NW, admitted to the crimes, which occurred between 2017 and the spring of 2022, when the victim was 11. The abuse took place at multiple addresses in Warren, according to Assistant Trumbull County Prosecutor Diane Barber, who leads the office’s Child Assault Unit.

Fox was sentenced Tuesday by Common Pleas Court before Judge Ronald J. Rice, who classified Fox as a Tier 3 sexual offender. The designation requires Fox to register with the sheriff’s office in his county of residence four times per year for life if released. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 15 years.

Barber commended the work of Warren police detective Nick Carney, who secured a confession from Fox during interviews.

“The defendant first denied knowing the girl,” Barber said, adding Fox initially tried to shift blame to a relative.