A Piqua man was sentenced to eight years in prison last week for the rape of a special needs adult in a case a Miami County judge said highlighted the criminal justice systems’ limitations in dealing with a victim with developmental disabilities.
Harry Reedy, 58, was convicted of felony rape and gross sexual imposition in the June 2014 rape of the developmentally disabled woman who lives in Tipp City.
He pleaded and was sentenced Oct 28 in county Common Pleas Court by Judge Christopher Gee.
Reedy declined comment before sentencing.
Police said the mother reported her daughter was picked up at her home by friends the evening of June 27, 2014, and returned the following morning. The mother said the behavior was not normal for her daughter, who subsequently told police she had been tied to the bed, handcuffed and raped while her legs were held.
Reedy pleaded in the case as part of a deal with prosecutors.
“This agreement has been discussed at length with the parents of the victim. They have a good understanding of where we are at,” county Prosecutor Tony Kendell said at the Oct. 28 sentencing hearing.
Gee also heard from the victim, her parentsm an aunt and a caregiver of the victim.
The victim, who is in her early 30s, said she is scared that someone will get into the house and cause harm.
Her mother said the victim “doesn’t understand what has happened … Because of you, she doesn’t sleep at night … She is never going to be the same.”
The victim’s father told Reedy he inflicted immense pain and suffering on the family. “I hope you live in fear the remainder of your days on Earth,” he said.
Gee said before he announced the sentence that the victim suffered serious psychological harm.
“This case, as I have become more familiar as it has gone through the system, demonstrates the limits of the criminal justice system when a victim of crime suffers from developmental disabilities,” Gee said. Several witnesses in the case also had developmental disabilities, he said, adding that the plea bargain was a compromise to avoid the risks of a trial.
Gee agreed to impose the eight years in prison recommended jointly by lawyers for Reedy and for the prosecution.
Reedy will receive credit for 196 days served in jail.
He will be classified a Tier III sex offenders when he is released from prison. The classification would require him to register his address with the sheriff’s office in the county where he lives every 90 days for the rest of his life.
The second man charged in the sexual assault was Patrick Anthony, 57, of Piqua. He pleaded guilty Oct. 27 to felony kidnapping, complicity to rape and complicity to intimidation of a witness. Anthony’s sentencing is scheduled in December.