BUCYRUS—Jason Tupps, 47, of Galion, was sentenced Monday in Crawford County Common Pleas Court. Tupps was found guilty in an August jury trial with one count of rape, a felony of the first degree punishable with up to eleven years in prison.
Visiting Judge Howard Hall took statements from the victim, the state, the defense, and Tupps himself before sentencing.
Representing the State were Special Prosecutors Drew Wood and Anthony Cillo. Tupps was represented by Mansfield Attorney James Mayer III.
Prosecutors read statements prepared by the victim, Tupps’ ex-wife. She explained that she still suffers from the trauma of the rape; “Nightmares and flashbacks are a cruel reminder of what he did to me.”
She went on to describe how her relationship with her children was affected during the marriage because they disapproved of the way he treated her. She said her ex-husband threatened to take the home she had paid for and even threatened to re-assault her after he thought he had gotten away with the first rape.
Prosecutors told the court that despite his wife’s pleas, he refused to address his serious alcohol problem.
“He used his status as her husband to gain access to her home, her property, and her bedroom .” Wood said. The prosecution asked for the maximum sentence of between 6 and 11 years.
Attorney Mayer argued that his client’s pre-sentence investigation revealed that there was a low probability that Tupps would ever re-offend. While Mayer told the court that his client accepts the jury’s verdict in the case, he also felt alcohol played a major role in the crime; “alcohol played a serious role in this household. He (Tupps) knows that. He’s not a social drinker. He’s a never drinker,” Mayer said.
Mayer noted that Tupps is a first-time felon who never violated his supervision and did not fight the divorce action. “There’s no reason for these two to ever be together again,” Mayer said. He sought a sentence of 3-41/2 years.
A tearful Tupps told the court that his faith in the Lord has kept him going. “I would like to be to apologize to my family for the shame and embarrassment I’ve put them through. I was never raised this way. Laurie, I’m sorry for what happened. I hope you’ll be able to move on with your life.” Tupps said.
Before sentencing Judge Hall addressed the court and Tupps. He said he did think that alcohol was a big factor in the crime but that Tupps was still guilty: “This should have never happened but it did and now there’s a price to pay.”
Hall sentenced Tupps to between 5-71/2 years in prison. Based on indeterminate sentencing in Ohio, Tupps will serve five years in prison. After that term, the Ohio Department of Corrections can add up to an additional 21/2 years to his sentence based on several factors, including his conduct behind bars.
Judge Hall also declared Tupps a tier III sex offender. Upon release from prison, he must report in person to the Sherrif of the county where he resides every 90 days for the rest of his life. Failure to abide by reporting conditions can constitute additional felony charges.