Rape suspect likely won't be tried as adult

The boy denied the charge at arraignment. The teacher remains on the job.
By PATRICIA MEADE
VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A 14-year-old boy with no criminal record will likely not be tried as an adult in the rape of a teacher, a juvenile prosecutor says.
The eighth-grade pupil at Immaculate Conception School on Oak Street remains in detention at the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center. The East Ravenwood Avenue boy denied the rape charge at arraignment.
Karen Romano, a juvenile court prosecutor, said Tuesday that she will likely not recommend that the case be transferred to Mahoning County Common Pleas Court because the boy has no record. The discretion lies with Judge Theresa Dellick.
A pretrial is expected with a magistrate within the next week or so. The boy's Austintown attorney, Edward J. Hartwig, could not be reached.
If found guilty, the boy would be incarcerated at the Ohio Department of Youth Services for a minimum of one year and a maximum of up until he turns 21, Romano said.
School's response
Monsignor John Zuraw, school administrator, said Tuesday that counselors spent time with pupils this week, helping them understand the situation and its ramifications. He said parents would be assured at a meeting that their children are safe at the school and counselors would help educate or re-educate the parents about warning signs.
"Sometimes there are warning signs that we as educators or parents miss and sometimes the warnings signs are cries for help," the monsignor said. "We can either be victimized by this situation, or we can be proactive to see that it never happens again at any other school."
He said the school needs to move on in a positive direction.
"A lot schools would sweep this under the rug. ... at Immaculate Conception, we don't do that. If something happens, we need to take care of it. Yes, our name has been tarnished, but I have a responsibility to protect my faculty and the students entrusted to our care."
The priest said the teacher remains on the job. He declined to discuss the pupil.
What is alleged
Last Friday, the teacher said she was in a faculty restroom around 1 p.m. and opened the door when she heard a knock. The 27-year-old woman said the boy, whose pants were unzipped, forced his way in, pushed her against a wall and put his right hand down her pants.
She said they struggled and, in an attempt to stop the attack, she tried to convince him that they could meet later, reports show. Later, the boy was brought to the principal's office, suspended from school and released to his parents.
He was then arrested at home and taken to the juvenile center, police said.
The charge is rape because the boy is accused of penetration with his hands, Romano said.
The case has been assigned to Patrolwoman Colleen Villio in the juvenile division. Lt. Robin Lees said the officer's investigation continues.
meade@vindy.com