Woman gets prison for role in tot’s rape

8/9/2013

A North Toledo woman who left a 2-year-old girl in a registered sex offender’s care was sentenced Thursday to 17 months in prison.

Connie Elam, 28, of 3321 Maple St. was convicted July 22 in Lucas County Common Pleas Court of attempted child endangerment. The toddler was raped March 30 while in the care of Aubrey Dale Marshall, 57, of 2611 Lagrange St.

“He’s a predator with a voracious appetite,” Judge Ruth Ann Franks said before passing sentence. “And that poor little girl, that poor little baby innocent girl, suffered because of your hedonistic wanting to go out and get drunk and have a party. It’s just beyond belief.”

Marshall, who pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, was sentenced July 26 by Judge Franks to two consecutive life prison terms and must serve 30 years before being eligible for parole.

Elam, given credit for 106 days served in the county jail, submitted a letter to the court before sentencing. “I’m truly sorry. I wrote the letter because it’s really emotional for me to talk about it,” she told the judge, fighting back tears.