Patterson gets 20 years for teen's OD death

WARREN — The man convicted of delivering the heroin that killed a 17-year-old Girard teen on her birthday last April was sentenced to 20 years in prison this morning by Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Ronald Rice.

James Patterson, 28, of Youngstown was convicted of four charges last week relating to the death of Christine Sheesley. An aunt of the victim read a statement from the family before the sentence was handed down.

Patterson apologized but Rice told him his criminal record proved maximum sentences are necessary because he cannot be rehabilitated.

This is a breaking news story. Watch Vindy.com for details.