AKRON, Ohio — An Akron man who was found guilty last month of raping a developmentally-disabled woman was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Visiting retired judge Janet Burnside sentenced 34-year-old Jesse Williams to 11 years in prison, half the 22-year maximum sentence that was requested by prosecutors, according to a news release from the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office.
On June 21, a jury found Williams guilty of rape, burglary, tampering with evidence and attempted burglary, the release states.
“I am so proud of the survivor. She showed tremendous strength and courage in standing up to the defendant and telling the judge how this assault has impacted her,” said Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh. “People who prey on the disabled need to be held accountable for their actions. My office works hard to do just that.”
On December 3, 2018, Williams forced his way into the home of the 62-year-old woman and demanded money, officials stated. When the victim, who is developmentally-disabled, refused to give Williams money, he dragged her into a bedroom and raped her. After the assault, Williams tried to clean up evidence of the crime. After he left, the victim went to a neighbor who called police.
During the investigation, officers discovered Williams had attempted to break into a nearby apartment 11 days later, the release states.
During the trial and sentencing, Avery, the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office facility dog, sat with the victim as she testified and provided her victim impact statement, the release states. Avery’s primary job is to provide emotional support to children and adults with developmental disabilities who are victims or witnesses to crime. Avery has been involved in nearly 180 cases, assisting over 225 victims.
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