“I have thought long and hard about (the factors) to determine what I believe is the perfect sentence,” Judge Stephen A. Wolaver told Patel in court. “Weighing all the factors, it makes the decision not an easy decision.
“I find difficulty in reconciling your background with the nature of your conduct.”
The rape victim tearfully addressed the court and asked for the maximum because of Patel’s “disrespectful and hurtful” conduct.
Greene County assistant prosecutor Adolfo Tornichio said the victim received justice.
“There is a rapist who is going to serve six years in prison for taking advantage of a functionally illiterate woman who all she was trying to do was earn a paycheck to support her family,” Tornichio said.
Defense attorney Jon Paul Rion, who plans to file an appeal by the end of the week, said Wolaver took into account Patel’s 15 years as an engineer in California, his clean criminal record prior to this case and the numerous letters of support written to the court.
“You look at Mr. Patel’s history in every aspect,” Rion said. “His family life. His work life. His good conduct. His citizenry throughout his entire life, and one would be very, very surprised to see someone with that type of background be accused, let alone be convicted, such as this.”
Rion said the appeal will be based at least on the mistrial motion denied by the court dealing with a juror who communicated with a police detective and winked at the detective after the verdict was read.
Given a chance to speak on his own behalf, Patel briefly thanked the judge. After the sentencing, his wife, Vedika, said: “I’m with him 18 years. I have (been) married with him 18 years. I’m with him always . . . My daughter and my family, everybody is supporting him. And I’m always with him.”
Patel received 60 days apiece for five counts of sexual imposition, six years for the rape count, four years for the abduction count and 18 months for the gross sexual imposition count. Wolaver said the sentences will run concurrently. Patel must register as a Tier III sex offender and face five years of mandatory post-release control.
Patel, wearing blue jail clothes with a white undershirt, was led down the steps of the courthouse by Greene County Sheriff’s deputies.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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