Man awaiting rape trial called victim, police say

Man awaiting rape trial called victim, police say
WARREN -- A 24-year-old man awaiting trial on four rape charges has been returned to the Trumbull County jail.
Common Pleas Judge W. Wyatt McKay increased bond for Christopher Fenton of Niles from $50,000 to $250,000 Wednesday.
As a condition of Fenton's original bond, he was prohibited from having contact with his accuser. Authorities say he violated that condition.
Fenton has been indicted on four counts of rape and one count each of aggravated burglary and kidnapping.
Girard police Capt. Frank Bigowsky said Fenton entered the woman's Girard home March 1 and sexually assaulted her several times at knifepoint. Her children were in the house.
Bigowsky said Fenton telephoned the victim Monday -- a call she recorded -- and then showed up at her home.
Her neighbors called police. Fenton now has been charged with criminal trespass.
Jane Cribbs restored as certified librarian
LORDSTOWN -- The board of education has restored Jane Cribbs to the position of certified librarian. The job was cut earlier this year as part of a district cost-savings plan. The state ordered the position restored because all districts must have a certified librarian.
Acting on the recommendation of the state commission overseeing finances in the district, which is under fiscal emergency, the board eliminated one of the two remaining business teacher positions, based on seniority.
Donald R. Streb's contract will be suspended. He has been with the district for 23 years.
Superintendent Ray Getz said the small number of students slated to take business classes in the fall made it difficult to justify two positions.
Irish Clans festival
YOUNGSTOWN -- The planning committee for the Gathering of The Irish Clans festival will discuss plans at a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Chrystal's Restaurant, 1931 Belmont Ave.
The heritage celebration is set for Aug. 18 at the St. Maron Recreation Area, 1555 S. Meridian Road. Anyone interested in helping is invited to the meeting.
The Gathering of The Irish Clans is a nonprofit group promoting Irish traditions and cultural heritage. It is partially supported by donations from individuals, organizations and businesses.
To become a sponsor, or for information, call (330) 533-7542.
Woman cited for python
YOUNGSTOWN -- Police have cited Cheryl A. Wilson, 34, of 65 S. Belle Vista Ave., for keeping and maintaining a wild animal after a neighbor showed police a videotape of her 13-foot Burmese python.
The video was recorded Tuesday while the owner had the snake in the front yard.
When officers questioned Wilson, she invited them in to see the snake, which was left with her because no animal control officer was available to confiscate it, according to the police report.
Shots fired into home
YOUNGSTOWN -- Police are investigating a shooting in the 200 block of Dupont Street around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday.
According to police reports, a 20-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son were in an upstairs bedroom when they heard nine or 10 gunshots. The woman told police she grabbed her son and laid on the floor until the shooting stopped.
Shortly after the last shot was fired, the woman discovered one bullet came through her son's playroom window and went through a wall into the child's bedroom. Another bullet entered the boy's bedroom window and ricocheted off a cinder block wall.
The woman told police she has no idea who might have fired the shots. A neighbor reported seeing two men.
Drive-by shooting
YOUNGSTOWN -- George Washington, 19, of Clay Street was in critical condition today in St. Elizabeth Health Center with a bullet wound to the head.
A witness told police Washington was a victim of a drive-by shooting on the East Side at 1 a.m.
Washington was hit as he pulled into his driveway.
Anticipating the gunfire, he placed his baby in the back seat beforehand, reports show.