CRIME Vandalism earns man three more years in prison

YOUNGSTOWN -- One of the men who helped Martin L. Koliser Jr. in the first hours after Koliser fatally shot Youngstown Patrolman Michael T. Hartzell in April 2003 appeared before Judge Maureen A. Sweeney on unrelated charges.
Damaging windows and sprinklers last year during his stay at the Mahoning County Jail cost Forrest Rupp, 26, of Poland, three years in prison in addition to the 10 years he is now serving at Lorain Correctional Institution on a rape charge. The rape charge is on appeal.
Rupp pleaded guilty Monday to several counts of vandalism and disrupting public service, charges filed in 2005. Prosecutors said damage he did to sprinkler systems resulted in a lockdown of the jail and put inmates and employees at risk in the event of a fire.
Rupp did not seek reduced charges, and apologized for his actions. He told Judge Sweeney he was prepared to accept his punishment.
Rupp's defense attorney, Ronald Yarwood said Rupp's actions were the result of frustration. Charges were filed twice in 2005: in April, and again in August, the latter after Rupp received his rape sentence.
Yarwood asked for concurrent sentences, stating Rupp's agreeing to plead to the charges as written shows his acceptance and accountability for his actions.
Judge Sweeney, however, said a light sentence would diminish the seriousness of the charges. She stipulated the charges would be served consecutively, beginning after Rupp completes the time he is now serving.
A grand jury indicted Rupp last May on five counts of vandalism and three counts of disrupting public services. All are fifth-degree felonies and each carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.