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Campbell man receives probation for sex with minor
By Justin Wier
YOUNGSTOWN
A 21-year-old Campbell man received five years’ probation for having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl.
Francisco Morales pleaded guilty last month to one count of unlawful sexual contact with a minor.
The victim spoke in court Tuesday, and said she was completely manipulated by the defendant.
She told the court she thought she was in love and Morales used her for sexual intercourse.
Since then, her family has been overprotective of both her and her family, she said.
“He put a fear through my family,” she told the court.
The incidents in question occurred between October 2015 and April 2016.
Because the victim was 13, the acts do not constitute statutory rape, which occurs when the victim is younger than 13 and can result in life in prison.
Both Morales and the victim described the sex as consensual.
Morales said he thought he had feelings for the victim, and he thought it was OK because the victim’s stepmother brought her to his house.
He added that he is gainfully employed and has two daughters with his fiancee.
When his attorney said he took complete responsibility for his actions, Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court said taking full responsibility would include the maximum prison term of 18 months.
“He’s taking partial responsibility. He’s taking responsibility for everything but the prison term,” Judge Krichbaum said. “That doesn’t impress me.”
Both the prosecution and the defense attorney recommended probation.
Morales voluntarily made a statement to Campbell police and voluntarily returned to Ohio from New York City when he learned he would be indicted, prosecutors said.
“It’s a tough call for a judge, what to do in a case like this,” Judge Krichbaum said.
The judge imposed the longest possible period of probation, and said he will sentence Morales to the maximum prison term of 18 months if he violates the conditions of his probation.
Morales also must register as a tier II sex offender.