New Castle man gets prison term for sexual assault

November 16, 2007 at 12:07p.m.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A city man pleaded guilty to aggravated indecent assault as part of a plea agreement after being arrested for sexually assaulting a 59-year-old woman.

Shawn LaPenta, 34, of Highland Avenue will be sentenced after he is assessed by the Sexual Offenders’ Board of Assessment.

A news release from the Lawrence County District Attorney’s office states LaPenta will be required to serve five to 10 years in state prison as part of the agreement. He also will undergo treatment for anger management.

Police said the Highland Avenue woman was on the telephone with a friend when LaPenta forced his way into her home and attacked her physically and sexually. Police said the woman on the other end of the telephone conversation could hear the attack and contacted authorities.