YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A man convicted earlier this month on sex charges involving a juvenile victim will now spend the next five years in prison. Thomas Steele of Campbell had been convicted at trial earlier this month on three felony counts of gross sexual imposition as well as a charge of pandering obscenity.
Although Steele maintained his innocence, jurors heard from the victim, who testified that Steele had engaged in appropriate sexual contact and showed a pornographic video. Judge John Durkin, who presided over the case, today called the victim’s testimony in describing the incident “especially troubling.” He then sentenced Steele to serve a five-year prison term.
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro credits the diligent work of Assistants Daniel Yozwiak and Melissa Dinsio, as well as the investigation of Campbell Police, in securing a conviction on all counts that led to this week’s sentencing.
