NORWICH – Two men set to face a jury with life sentences at stake appeared in closed conferences Wednesday in an attempt to arrange a last-ditch plea bargain. After over an hour of discussions, one of the defendants confessed in open court and is now prepared to testify against his alleged co-conspirator.

Stephen R. Ohl, 24, Cunningham Lawrence Road, Sherburne, will serve 18 years in state prison for his role in the December home invasion of a Sherburne woman’s residence which led to her violent sexual assault and robbery.

In exchange for 18 years in state prison, Ohl had to accept responsibility for the accused crimes and agree to testify against his alleged co-conspirator, Jonathan “Joe” Elwood, 29, of Ashcraft Road, Norwich, when he appears for jury trial on Monday.

If Ohl fails to fulfill his agreement, he will be sentenced to a more severe sentence that could be in excess of 50 years.