Salem man gets 9 years in prison on rape charge

YOUNGSTOWN — A 21-year-old Salem man convicted in the rape of an underage female family member will spend the next nine years behind bars.

Anthony McDaniel, of West Garfield Road, was set to go on trial today facing two counts of felony rape with lifetime prison specifications, but chose instead to enter into a plea agreement with prosecutors. He was charged with raping his 12-year-old stepsister.

The case was before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Natasha Frenchko, an assistant county prosecutor, said a jury pool from which a jury could be selected was waiting when McDaniel, represented by Atty. Thomas Zena, asked if a plea agreement could be reached.

“It spoke volumes to the mother and family that he wanted to accept responsibility. ... I spoke to the family and let them help make that decision. It spared the victim from having to testify,” she said. “From our position this was a resolution in the best interest of the victim.”

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