Guilty verdicts stun Ridge man

Sentencing is set for Nov. 2. The child rapist could face life in prison.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- It appeared that a 41-year-old Mineral Ridge man passed out seconds after hearing a jury convicted him on several rape charges.
While standing next to the defense table, Mark Heilman fell backward as Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court began reading the verdicts.
Before Heilman hit the floor, two deputy sheriffs grabbed him. The judge stopped the proceedings and called for an ambulance. Jurors were returned to the jury room while paramedics cared for the defendant.
After a few minutes, Heilman was placed in a chair and the jurors were brought back to the courtroom.
Both Heilman and his attorney, Dan Keating, declined to comment.
Numerous verdicts
The jury found Heilman guilty of 28 counts of rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition and 21 counts of pandering obscenity involving minors.
The jurors found Heilman innocent of two of the pandering charges but guilty of a lesser charge of possessing obscenity involving minors, prosecutors said.
The jurors deliberated 15 hours over three days before reaching the verdicts. The judge set Heilman's sentencing for Nov. 2.
Thomas Wrenn, an assistant county prosecutor, said Heilman could receive life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.
As deputies escorted a handcuffed Heilman out of the courtroom, tears streamed down his face. His wife and other family members also left the courtroom sobbing.
Family members declined to comment.
The jury began hearing testimony Oct. 5.
Police and prosecutors say Heilman is accused of forcing a female juvenile he knew to have sex with him for at least six years.
sinkovich@vindy.com