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Former YSU coach sentenced for drug trafficking
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Gina Rango
YOUNGSTOWN
A former Youngstown State University assistant softball coach will spend the next three years on probation and warning young people about the dangers of prescription drug use.
In May 2010, the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force arrested Gina L. Rango, 26, of Woodworth Road, North Lima, at her residence. A Mahoning County grand jury indicted her on four counts of oxycodone trafficking.
Rango ultimately pleaded guilty to four felony-four counts of trafficking in drugs. A fourth-degree felony carries a penalty of six to 18 months in prison. She appeared before Judge James C. Evans of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for sentencing Wednesday.
He sentenced her to three years’ probation and fined her $1,000. She also is ordered to complete a treatment program and spend 200 hours speaking on the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Her driver’s license will also be suspended for two years.
Martin Desmond, an assistant county prosecutor, told the court the prosecutor’s office agreed to the plea deal because the chances of Rango re-offending are low.
He said Rango was the go-between in drug transactions for a drug dealer, but did not actually sell any drugs. In exchange for her efforts, he said, Rango would receive drugs for her own use.
“Her behavior started with an ongoing drug addiction that started way back. I don’t see her as the drug dealer; drug addict is a more suitable label,” Desmond said.
Desmond asked the court to sentence Rango to 100 hours of community service where she would speak to younger people about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
Atty. Dave Betras, representing Rango, said his client became a victim of her own competitive nature because she would play her sport while in pain and eventually turned to prescription pills to help ease that pain.
“She is very remorseful for what happened. The humiliation she has suffered in the community ... of course she is remorseful,” he said. “When you are addicted you will lie cheat and steal.”
Rango told the court she is sorry for her actions and wants to help younger people see the dangers associated with the use of prescription pain pills.
“I would like to apologize to the community at Youngstown State and all my players,” she said. “I never thought this would happen to me, but it did.”
Judge Evans said the court sees the problem with drugs and addiction everyday, but he believes that if Rango continues in treatment she will get back in the “swing of things” in her life and career.