Rapist sentenced in Pa. for plot to bully victim

BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) — A convicted rapist will serve an additional 23 1/2 to 47 years in prison for orchestrating a plot from behind bars to intimidate his victim.

The sentence imposed Wednesday by a Bucks County judge will run consecutive to the 15- to 30-year term Preston Piazza is already serving for raping the teenager in 2004.

According to the Bucks County Courier Times, Judge Diane Gibbons said she wanted to send a message to other victims that law enforcement will not tolerate witness intimidation.

Prosecutors say the 30-year-old Piazza plotted in November 2009 to have friends drug the victim and convince her to change her story. Piazza wanted his rape conviction overturned on appeal.

The plan fell through when prison officials heard him discussing the scheme on the phone.