Man sentenced to 15 years for raping girl, 9

3/31/2005

TIFFIN - A Tiffin man was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison for raping a 9-year-old girl.

Mark B. Phelps, 31, was given the mandatory prison term by Judge Michael Kelbley, of Seneca County Common Pleas Court, for six felony counts. They included four counts of rape and two counts of gross sexual imposition.

County Prosecutor Ken Egbert, Jr., said Phelps engaged in sexual activity with the girl at her home late at night while the child's mother was asleep in an adjacent room. The child later told her maternal grandmother and foster parents about the abuse.

Mr. Egbert said Phelps was classified as a sexual predator and will serve five years of post-release control after completing his prison term. He will not be eligible for early release.