Akron man gets 5 years’ probation

Any probation violation will bring a five-year prison term, a judge warns.

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — A 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty to sexual battery has been sentenced to five years of probation, to be supervised by the Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

Justin Sudimak of Akron, formerly of Mahoning Avenue, North Jackson, drew the sentence Thursday from Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Krichbaum warned Sudimak that any violation of the terms of his probation would bring a five-year prison sentence.

Sudimak sexually assaulted a 16-year-old Austintown girl Aug. 7, 2008, in her bedroom after showing up at her house impaired by alcohol or drugs, according to James MacDonald, assistant county prosecutor.

Sudimak was indicted on rape, aggravated burglary and burglary charges.

The prosecution reduced the rape charge to sexual battery because the victim and her mother said they thought Sudimak has “personal issues” that will be remedied by treatment, MacDonald said.

The prosecution dropped the aggravated burglary and burglary charges and recommended a treatment program instead of prison.

Sudimak and the victim knew each other through their parents, MacDonald said.

Judge Krichbaum ordered Sudimak to undergo a mental-status evaluation at the Turning Point Counseling Center and to follow the center’s treatment recommendations.

Sudimak must register as a sex offender with the sheriff in his home county quarterly for life, the judge said.