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2 sentenced for rapes, hearing set for third
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Michael A. Lee
By Ed Runyan
WARREN
Michael A. Lee, 19, of Lyntz Road, Lordstown, was sentenced to three years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of gross sexual imposition.
The sentence was handed down by Judge Andrew Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
Lee was indicted on two counts of rape, accused of having sex with a 12-year-old girl in late 2009, when Lee was an 18-year-old junior at Lordstown High School.
Diane Barber, an assistant Trumbull County prosecutor, said the sex was consensual, but Ohio law says no child age 12 can consent to sex, and sex with a child that young can bring a life prison sentence.
Lee and a former classmate, William A. Wright, 19, former members of the Lordstown High School basketball team, were indicted on the same charges in March 2010, accused of having sex with the same girl.
The victim is the younger sister of another young man who played basketball with Lee and Wright, and the offenses occurred in the girl’s home, Barber said.
The girl’s father spoke at Lee’s hearing Tuesday, talking about the betrayal the family felt. “Not only did we let you in our home but we trusted you around our family,” he said, adding that Lee has taunted his family since the incidents occurred.
“Maybe today you will finally understand the seriousness of what you have done and the consequences that come with it,” he said.
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George A. Butcher
As part of his plea agreement, Lee waived his right to be considered for release from prison before serving the entire three years.
Wright, of Mae Drive Southwest, Lordstown, returns to court March 2 for his next pretrial hearing. He faces a possible life prison sentence if convicted.
Meanwhile, George A. Butcher, 48, formerly of Hamilton Street Southwest in Warren, has been sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 10 years for raping a 12-year-old girl in late 2009 and early 2010.
Butcher pleaded guilty Tuesday before Judge Logan to four counts of rape and one count of attempted rape with a specification that force was used.
All five counts carry a life prison sentence.