Man gets six years for rape

Robinson engaged in oral sex with the girl, an assistant prosecutor said.
By DEBORA SHAULIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A 20-year-old Austintown man who played a game of Truth or Dare with an 11-year-old girl is going to prison for raping her.
David J. Robinson Jr. of North Kimberly Avenue apologized Wednesday to his family and the victim's before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced him to six years behind bars.
Both the prosecution and defense attorneys recommended the sentence to the judge, so Robinson cannot file an appeal.
Once he is released from prison, Robinson must register in his county of residence as a sexually oriented offender for 10 years, Judge Sweeney said.
Robinson will receive credit for 153 days already served, said Dawn Krueger, assistant county prosecutor.
Guilty plea
Robinson pleaded guilty Oct. 17 to one count of rape, a first-degree felony. He admitted engaging in oral sex with the girl, Krueger said.
The girl's father, who spoke in court before Robinson was sentenced, said his family and Robinson's lived in the same neighborhood, and that older children from each family were friends. The girl "became one of the guys," he said.
Robinson "used trickery and deceit to brainwash" the girl into playing a "dangerous and debilitating game of chance," the father said. The girl is receiving counseling.
The girl's father said he doesn't blame Robinson's parents for what happened and doesn't want his daughter to hate Robinson.
He also addressed Robinson, saying he may be able to forgive him someday for what he did, but he won't forget.
Robinson admitted his guilt and "knew there would be a price to pay," defense lawyer Anthony P. Meranto said.
shaulis@vindy.com