Man gets 80 years for rape, home invasion

YOUNGSTOWN — A 42-year-old Indiana man has been sentenced to 80 years in prison on rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery charges with repeat violent-offender specifications in a South Side home invasion that occurred more than seven years ago.

Sammie Smith Jr. drew the sentence today from Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, who presided over last month’s trial, in which a jury convicted him.

Smith received the sentence after he told the judge he was “sorry for what happened,” but he denied being the assailant.

The victim said the assault forced her to move to a new residence and take prescription medication for panic attacks and caused her to have trouble sleeping.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com