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Pocono News Section
Convicted Sex Offender Learns His Sentence
Convicted Sex Offender Learns His Sentence - Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 5:24PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Oct 3, 2007 @05:24pm EST
SCRANTON. LACKAWANNA COUNTY- A former Olyphant man learned his fate on Wednesday for raping a 12-year old girl and sexually assaulting another teenager in Lackawanna County.
Michael Peditto, 21, will spend between 8 and a-half to 18 years in prison. Peditto addressed the court right before he learned his fate.
Michael Peditto had nothing to say as he was led out of the Lackawanna County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon after learning he'll spend at least eight and a-half years behind bars.
Lackawanna County Assistant District Attorney Michelle Olshefski gave her opinion about the sentencing. “I thought it was a very fair, very appropriate sentence. I think he deserves everyday of it."
According to court papers, Peditto admitted to having sexual relationships with two underage girls beginning in 2003.
“He took advantage of a 12-year-old, a 13-year-old. They have those memories forever, those scares forever" continued ADA Olshefski.
Peditto's lawyer and family declined to comment after the sentencing. But right before he learned his fate, Michael addressed the judge and the court, calling his actions sincerely selfish and the biggest mistake of his life.
ADA Olshefski declared “Raping a child is not a stupid kid mistake. When you're 17-18 years old, there's a vast difference between an 18-year-old and a 12-year-old and an 18-year-old and a 13-year-old. That's not a mistake you make."
Peditto's lawyer calls the sentence harsh saying that his client had no prior record and has the capacity to do well.
Prosecutors said his lack of a direct apology was stunning. “It was all about him. This is the way he acted in the course of committing the crimes. It was for his pleasure" explained Olshefski.
Before his arrest, Peditto moved to North Carolina. After he's released, he will also have to register as a sexually violent predator under Megan's Law.
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