By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com

The process for prosecuting the man charged with raping a Galion woman last May was by necessity slow, tedious and arduous. But when it was over Friday morning, 52-year-old Maximino Hernandez was quickly on his way to prison.

With the aid of an interpreter and attorney Adam Stone, Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charge of first-degree felony rape and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Hernandez is in the country on a visa and has been in Crawford County for less than a year. He was working at El Tarasco at the time of the alleged incident.

Hernandez was not fined but will be considered a Tier III Sex Offender meaning he will have to register as such every 90 days for the rest of his life with county law enforcement authorities if he is able to remain in the country upon his release from prison. However, Hernandez will also be subject to deportation when he is freed.

“Felony rape is an onerous crime,” Judge Sean Leuthold said from the bench. “To give you any less . . . . would be an insult to the victim.”

The maximum sentence that could have been imposed was 11 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Hernandez will also be subject to mandatory post-release control.

Hernandez has been held at the county jail since his bond was set in July at $500,000. Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler stipulated that no further charges would be filed or sought against Hernandez in exchange for his plea. During his incarceration at the county jail, Hernandez was allegedly involved in another altercation with an inmate.

It is believed Hernandez has no record of any other felony convictions.

“Yes we believe that the 10-year prison sentence is justice in this case. The victim was extremely happy with the outcome,” Hoovler said. “Getting this done without a trial is extremely important in this case to allow the victim to avoid any more victimization.”

The victim chose not to address the court or make a victim impact statement prior to sentencing. Hernandez also declined to make a statement before the court.

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