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WARREN -- After the defendant's grandmother asked the judge for leniency, a Howland man on Wednesday was sentenced to a prison term of six to nine years on a conviction of two first-degree rape charges.
The man was accused in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court of raping an adult woman at a Weathersfield party in May 2021.
Larry D. Dirando, 19, of Shady Lane NE, appeared with his attorney, Sean Logue, who said his client had no previous criminal record and his presentence investigation showed a low risk to reoffend. Logue said alcohol use was a mitigating factor in the offense.
Judge W. Wyatt McKay also declared Dirando a Tier 3 sex offender, which means he will be registering his address after his release with the sheriff's office four times per year for the rest of his life.
Dirando's grandmother, Sheila Wilhalte, told the judge about Dirando's life, saying he was recently rejected by his foster parents -- who told him to leave the country to escape prosecution.
"He didn't take their advice, saying he wanted to face the consequences," Wilhalte said.
Wilhalte said Dirando always was willing to help around the home, taking care of his younger siblings.
"He is a bright young man who wanted to go into the home construction, remodeling and realty business," she said.
Assistant Prosecutor Diane Barber said the case was investigated by Weathersfield police. A 19-year-old woman reported she had unwanted sexual relations with a man at a party on Salt Springs Road on May 30, 2021. The woman went to the hospital and DNA evidence linked the defendant to the crime, Barber stated. Evidence also included bloody clothing and witnesses from the party.
Speaking for the victim was her sister, who said the night of the incident was supposed to be about celebration but "it turned into tragedy."
"You broke her and me," the sister told Dirando, saying she wanted to see the judge give him the maximum sentence.
McKay said the defendant faced a mandatory prison sentence, but the maximum could have exceeded 30 years.