Rape conviction extends sentence to 10 years

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A man who raped a 13-year-old girl, who became pregnant as a result of the incident, will be off the streets for 10 years.

Ayers Bunch, 20, of Youngstown, received a sentence of three years from Judge Maureen A. Sweeney of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

The sentence will be served consecutively with a sentence for an unrelated conviction on felonious assault with a gun in 2015. Bunch’s nine-year sentence on that conviction was set to expire in July 2024. The rape conviction will push his release back to July 2027.

On July 4, 2015, Bunch raped a 13-year-old girl. She became pregnant with a child conceived during the rape.

The victim’s mother spoke at his sentencing.

“Even though this is one of the worst experiences a mother could have, I forgive him,” she said.

The crime was unforgiveable, she said, but she has a grandson as a result.

Bunch told the court he apologized for his actions.

Upon release, Bunch will be on parole for five years. He also has to register as a tier III sex offender, which requires him to register every 90 days for the rest of his life.