WARREN Man gets 7 years in prison for rape

The victim gave the defendant a Bible and told him to read it while he was in prison.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A 27-year-old city man who pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and one count of kidnapping has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Judge W. Wyatt McKay sentenced James Purdy during a brief hearing Wednesday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
The judge sentenced Purdy to seven years on each count but said the prison sentences would be served concurrently. Purdy, who pleaded guilty Sept. 20, could have received up to 40 years in prison.
The judge also ordered that Purdy be placed on five years' probation when he is released from prison.
Purdy, who defense attorneys say is borderline mentally retarded, apologized to the victim before his sentencing.
Victims' statement: The victim, 17 at the time of the rape, told the court that since then she has had nightmares. The victim also gave the defendant a Bible and asked that he read it while in prison.
Thomas Wrenn, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said Purdy raped the victim July 6, 2000, in Packard Park.
The victim said she did not know Purdy before the day she was raped. She said she was riding her bike and Purdy was walking in front of her. She said she stopped and asked him if he wanted a drink of her iced tea.
She said Purdy asked her if she had a boyfriend, and she said no. She said Purdy then asked if he could be her boyfriend -- and she again said no.
The woman said Purdy grabbed her wrist and forced her to go with him to a secluded area of the park, where he raped her.