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Man uses ‘Alford plea’ in rape of daughter
YOUNGSTOWN
A 50-year-old Youngstown man will spend the next nine years in prison for raping his daughter.
Ron Pesta, 50, formerly of North Hartford Avenue, pleaded guilty in an “Alford plea” to six counts of rape against his daughter who was a minor at the time of the crimes. In an Alford plea, the defendant does not admit guilt but concedes prosecutors may have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
The rapes took place beginning in 2004 when the girl was below the age of 13. Had Pesta gone to trial and been found guilty of all the charges against him, he could he been sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Natasha Frenchko, an assistant Mahoning County prosecutor, and Atty. Ronald Yarwood, defending Pesta, reached an agreed-upon sentence of nine years in the case. Pesta’s daughter, however, told the court before sentencing that it will take a lot longer than nine years for her to get over the situation.
The victim, now an adult, told Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of common pleas court she is left to wonder why her father would hurt her in such a way. She said the crimes affected her school life and left her with nightmares as well as an inability to trust anyone.
“The nightmares continue to this day. I wake up afraid and shaking. ... When I hear people talk about their wonderful fathers I will always remember how mine betrayed me,” she said.
The victim said the crimes took her childhood, and she came forward to protect other young girls in her family.
“I was a child. I was your daughter, and you had no right to take that from me,” she said. “You underestimated my strength.”
Judge Krichbaum said it is his hope the crimes Pesta committed will not have a lifelong impact.
“I see far too many of these cases, but hopefully this young victim gets over this and can lead a productive life,” he said. “I will pray for her.”
Yarwood told the court his client had no criminal record before the current case and said he still has the support of some family members.
Pesta said only a few words on his behalf before becoming choked up and silent.
“I love my daughters very much. I love them, and I miss them. I am going to miss them forever,” he said.
Judge Krichbaum told Pesta he likely made the right decision, entering into the Alford plea agreement with prosecutors.
“Had you gone to trial and been convicted of these multiple rapes, the sentence of this court would have been far greater,” the judge said.
Judge Krichbaum handed down a sentence of nine years on each of the six counts to be served concurrently. He also informed Pesta he would be required to serve five years’ probation after he is released from prison and must register as a sex offender the rest of his life.