South Side man gets eight years in prison for rape of female relative

YOUNGSTOWN — A 27-year-old city man will serve eight years in prison for the 2007 rape of a 12-year-old relative.

Michael Zechar, of Compton Lane, appeared today before Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing. He was found guilty of two counts of rape earlier this year.

Zechar could have been sentenced to as little as three years or as much as 20 years in prison. Prosecutors asked for the maximum sentence.

Judge Durkin sentenced Zechar to eight years in prison and five years’ parole upon his release. Zechar also will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

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