Motor spews smoke

Motor spews smoke

YOUNGSTOWN

The exhaust-fan motor in a basement restroom at DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., filled the building with smoke overnight but caused little damage.

The smoke was discovered by Terence Fetchet, assistant stage/facilities manager, when he came to work Wednesday morning. There was no fire, and center officials said performances will not be affected.

Youngstown firefighters were called to the scene at 10 a.m., and when they did not immediately discover the source of the smoke, called additional units to the scene. Exhaust fans were used to clear the smoke, which Fetchet said was heavy in the basement but much lighter in the stage area. A fire department battalion chief estimated damage at $300 to repair or replace the defective motor.

Woman reports rape

YOUNGSTOWN

City police are investigating the reported rape of a 27-year-old North Side woman.

The woman told police she accepted a ride from an acquaintance she knows only by a first name at 1:42 a.m. Wednesday on Belmont Avenue. The man stopped somewhere along Parker Street, pulled a knife and forced the woman to have sexual intercourse.

The woman told police the man dropped her off at a nearby intersection and made her walk, threatening to shoot her if she looked back in his direction. A resident on Woodside eventually offered the woman help and called 911.

Child exploitation

PITTSBURGH

A 41-year-old New Castle, Pa., man is facing 15 to 60 years in prison and a fine up to $750,000 after he pleaded guilty to three counts of violating federal child-exploitation laws. Michael Penwell entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose, who will sentence him at 11:30 a.m. July 8.

Between January and October 2008, Penwell produced, transported and possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, the U.S. attorney said Monday. The case was investigated by New Castle and Pennsylvania State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Business thefts

boardman

An owner of a Market Street restaurant reported the theft of about $9,900 in deposits between January and earlier this month.

One of the owners of Five Guys Burgers told police Tuesday that he noticed in January that the deposits began to come up short. During February, it became obvious the shortages were because of more than an honest error.

The owner suspects an employee, according to a police report.

Monthly breakfast

WARREN

The Trumbull County Republican Party will have its monthly breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Mocha House, 467 High St. Guest speakers will be the candidates considering a run for local, state and national offices.