MAHONING COUNTY Trials begin for 2 men in sex crime, assault

One man faces life in prison without parole if he is found guilty.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Jury selection began Monday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for the unrelated trials of one man accused of a sex offense and another man charged with fighting with police.
Richard Ronnel Moore, 26, of East Judson Avenue is charged with one count of rape, a first-degree felony. Authorities said he had sexual relations with a 6-year-old female relative at his home in July 2003.
The girl was visiting with Moore at the time, said Dawn Krueger, assistant prosecutor. Krueger said she will present medical evidence to prove the victim was raped.
A county grand jury indicted Moore in August 2003. Because the victim was under 10, Moore could be sentenced to life in prison without parole if he is convicted, Krueger said.
Krueger said Moore denies the allegation and has refused to accept a plea bargain. The trial is in the courtroom of Judge James C. Evans. Moore is represented by Atty. Michael J. Rich.
Assault on officers
Aaron D. McGilvary, 38, of Hillman Street is on trial in the courtroom of visiting Judge Charles J. Bannon, charged with two counts of assaulting police officers.
Assistant prosecutor Robert Andrews said McGilvary is accused of punching and kicking Youngstown patrolmen Patrick Mulligan and Robert Giovanni in April 2003.
The officers were attempting to arrest McGilvary for possession of drug paraphernalia at Hillman Street and Kenmore Avenue when he began punching and kicking them. He was eventually subdued and arrested.
If he is convicted of the fourth-degree felonies, McGilvary could be sentenced to six to 18 months in prison for each count. He also is eligible to be placed on probation, Andrews said. McGilvary is represented by Atty. Gary Van Brocklin.
bjackson@vindy.com