Austintown man gets 30-year prison term for raping children

YOUNGSTOWN — A 42-year-old Austintown man is going to prison for 30 years after he pleaded guilty to raping two female relatives and one male relative, all having been under the age of 10 when the crimes occurred.

Richard W. Stilson Jr., of Westminster Avenue, drew three consecutive 10-year prison terms today from Judge Timothy E. Franken of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

“The victims suffered serious mental harm. ... I’m only sorry I can’t give you more time,” Judge Franken told Stilson, calling his crimes horrific.

The total sentence was three times longer than the three concurrent 10-year prison terms recommended by Dawn Krueger Cantalamessa, assistant county prosecutor. The available sentencing range was three to 10 years on each count.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.