Man gets life sentence for raping 7-year-old girl

YOUNGSTOWN — A 25-year-old Buckeye Circle man has pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one count of kidnapping in an April 19 attack on a 7-year-old girl and been sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 10 years.

Shawn Thomas entered his plea today before Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

As recommended by the prosecutor, the judge immediately sentenced Thomas to life in prison on each of the two rape counts and 10 years in prison for the kidnapping, with all sentences to be served concurrently.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com