Man gets 30 years on rape, robbery and kidnapping charges

YOUNGSTOWN — A man who pleaded guilty to kidnapping, raping and robbing his former girlfriend, burglarizing her home, and fleeing from the state trooper who chased and caught him, is going to prison for 30 years.

Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court imposed the sentence today on Michael A. Harsch, 24, of Fourth Street.

“I have nightmares. I’m scared when I go to work. ...I cry constantly,” the 23-year-old victim told the judge.

“He knew exactly what he did when he did it. He’s not dumb,” she said, urging the judge to exceed the 25-year prison term recommended by Natasha K. Frenchko, assistant county prosecutor.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com