SEXUAL PREDATOR Judge sends man who raped children to prison

The sentences are to ensure the man never leaves prison, the judge said.
By ROGER G. SMITH
COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- George Schewirey will be almost 100 years old before he even has a shot at leaving prison.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Schewirey, 47, of East Auburndale Avenue, on Tuesday to a minimum of 50 years to life in prison.
A jury convicted Schewirey on Monday on five of eight counts of rape.
The jury found Schewirey guilty on the four most serious charges, raping youths under age 13 with threat or force.
Each count of rape with threat of a child under age 13 came with a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no parole possible for at least 10 years.
Jurors also gave a guilty verdict on one count of raping a child using threat after the youth turned 13. That conviction also brought 10 years in prison.
Judge's ruling
Judge Krichbaum ordered the sentences be served consecutively, meaning Schewirey is to do a minimum of 50 years. The sentences are meant to ensure Schewirey never leaves prison, he said.
Defense lawyer Gary Van Brocklin said Schewirey will appeal.
The judge also made two moves on the odd chance Schewirey somehow gets out of prison one day. Judge Krichbaum added five year's parole and agreed to a prosecutor request that Schewirey be declared a sexual predator.
The jury did find Schewirey innocent on three charges involving rape of children over age 13 with threat. All the charges involved sexual conduct with two girls and a boy.
rgsmith@vindy.com