YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Keontae Thomas, 27, was sentenced to 36-41 years behind bars following a guilty verdict at the conclusion of a jury trial in June. Mahoning County Judge Maureen Sweeney sentenced Thomas. As part of his sentence, Thomas has been classified as a Tier III sex offender, the most serious designation, requiring him to register with his local county Sheriff every 90 days for the rest of his life.
In June, Thomas was convicted of Aggravated Robbery, two counts of Rape, and two counts of Kidnapping with attached Firearm Specifications and a sexual motivation specification. Assistant Prosecutors Kyle Hilles and Caitlyn Andrews successfully prosecuted the case.
The victim stated that “His crimes created a level of mental torture,” which they explained continues even to this day. Assistant Prosecutor Hilles mentioned, “This is one of the most serious cases; he (Thomas) has taken no responsibility.”
The charges stem from a 2022 incident in which Thomas met the victim online and later sexually assaulted and robbed the victim at gunpoint at a home on Youngstown’s South Side. Evidence presented at trial included video captured by a nearby baby monitor.
Thomas also faces sentencing Monday morning on an unrelated identity theft conviction.
Mahoning County Prosecutor Lynn Maro credited the Youngstown Police Department and Assistant Prosecutors Hilles and Andrews for their work in presenting the case and securing justice for the victim.
