Niles man charged with rape of Austintown woman

AUSTINTOWN — A township woman told police her child’s father raped her Monday.

Police were called to St. Elizabeth Health Center to meet with the woman who said she wanted to press charges against Sean Watkins, 41, of Niles.

The woman told police she has a son with Watkins and was scared for her life and her son’s life after the incident occurred, according to a police report.

According to the report, Watkins assaulted the woman in her Idlewood Road home after he let himself in as she slept on the couch.

The woman told police Watkins punched her and shoved her head into the couch, making it difficult for her to breathe during the assault.

After the assault ended, Watkins went through the house and rummaged through the woman’s property, she told police.

A sexual-assault evidence kit was taken into evidence.

Police arrested Watkins, and he is now in Mahoning County jail on charges of rape and domestic violence. His arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday in Mahoning County Area Court here.

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