YOUNGSTOWN — Kyle D. Wilkinson, 31, of Boardman, pleaded guilty to one count of rape, one count of gross sexual imposition and one count of misdemeanor public indecency and got 16 to 21 1/2 years in prison Wednesday.

Wilkinson was indicted on a rape count that could have resulted in a life prison sentence, but his plea agreement took away that possibility. He must register as a Tier 3 sex offender when he leaves prison and register his address every 90 days for the rest of his life with the sheriff in the place where he lives.

During Wilkinson’s hearing Wednesday, the mother of the victims told Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony D’Apolito that no sentence will make the situation better, but “a guilty plea at least is some acknowledgment of what (Wilkinson) has done.”

She said she was on the “same page” as D’Apolito as far as not wanting the victims to testify. And Mahoning County Assistant Prosecutor Caitlyn Andrews also agreed that the plea agreement avoided “risks of going to trial and avoids any further trauma to the children while still getting a significant amount of (prison) time.”

Wilkinson’s indictment states that he victimized a child under age 13 in 2024. He also was previously convicted of burglary and domestic violence.

Before sentencing, Wilkinson read a statement that started with “I chose to drink and get high, on top of my mental health medications. Those were my decisions. What followed was the result of my choices, and I take full responsibility for the harm I caused.

“I did not plan this or fantasize about it. I had just gone through a very difficult breakup with a partner I had lived with for over three years,” he said.

“At the time, I did not fully understand my behavior. Through counseling and reflection I now understand I experienced disassociation during this period with medications, alcohol and drugs involved.” He added, “I caused real harm. I hurt people.”

He said he attended Alcoholics Anonymous after his arrest because “I realized I needed guidance and structure in my life. Since my arrest, I have continued both in and out of custody.”

Prosecutors and the defense jointly recommended that Wilkinson get 15 to 20 1/2 years in prison, but D’Apolito added one additional year.

D’Apolito said he appreciates that Wilkinson shows remorse, but said, “The fact that you can show remorse now only leads me to believe you could have shown insight and not done this in the first place.”

D’Apolito said such cases as this “bewilder me, they sadden me because there are victims who I cannot give justice to them that they deserve.”