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Man gets 10-year sentence
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
YOUNGSTOWN
A man convicted of holding his ex-wife and her daughter against their will Christmas Eve will be spending the next decade in prison.
Joel Petefish, who lists a Girard address, appeared Friday before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing on one count of aggravated burglary and two counts of abduction.
He was found guilty of the charges after an April trial.
Prosecutors say Petefish also refused to leave the woman’s home. The woman and teenage girl eventually ran from the apartment.
Natasha Frenchko, an assistant county prosecutor, recommended a 15-year sentence for Petefish.
Attorney David Gerchak, representing Petefish, asked the court for a minimal sentence for his client. He said Petefish is remorseful for his actions and was under the influence of alcohol at the time he committed the offense.
The victim told the court Petefish needs professional help or may someday harm a woman or child. She said he has shown no empathy or remorse for what has taken place over the course of their relationship.
Petefish told the court that the entire situation amounted to a vendetta by his former wife. He acknowledged not leaving the house when asked but said his former wife and her daughter were free to leave at anytime.
Judge Evans told Petefish he needs to accept and acknowledge his problem with alcohol.
Judge Evans sentenced Petefish to a total of 10 years in prison and ordered him to receive alcohol-addiction treatment.