Sex offender gets three years in prison

YOUNGSTOWN — A 28-year-old Austintown man has been sentenced to three years after he pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition against a 5-year-old girl.

Danny Wilhelm, of Riblett Road, received the sentence this afternoon from Judge John M. Durkin of Mahoning Conty Common Pleas Court.

The prosecution dropped a rape count that could have resulted in a life prison term and another gross sexual imposition count in the plea deal.

The three-year prison term is non-appealable because it was agreed to by the prosecution and defense and adopted by the judge.

Jennifer McLaughlin, an assistant county prosecutor, said she would oppose early judicial release.

Wilhelm will have to register as a sex offender every six months for 25 years.