A Youngstown man who raped a child over the course of five years has learned his fate on Thursday

Fifty-year-old Michael Alexander was sentenced to 15 to 19 years in prison on two felony counts of rape stemming from incidents that occurred between 2018 and 2023. Once released, he must register as a Tier 3 sex offender. 

According to an indictment, Alexander's victim was between the ages of 12 and 18 at the time of these incidents.

Before his sentencing, Alexander made a statement to the judge. The statement said despite the rapes happening repeatedly over a number of years, he wishes he could take it all back.

"I deeply regret any hurt that I caused through all of this. I deeply regret, you know, the people that I love who I hurt through my actions. And, if I could take it back, I would," said Alexander.

The victim read a statement, explaining the amount of hurt Alexander caused throughout her childhood. Caitlyn Andrews, Mahoning County assistant prosecutor, said Alexander would threaten to use his former job position as leverage against the victim.

"At the time, he worked as a mechanic in the garage for the Youngstown Police Department. And since this happened in Youngstown, he told her that everyone would side with him, and she would never be believed," said Andrews.

Additionally, 39-year-old Ashley Cervello entered a plea deal in this case pleading guilty to attempted bribery and intimidation for trying to hinder the victim from filing charges against Alexander.

Cervello lived with Alexander during the time of the crimes. Before her sentencing, she read a statement saying she regrets believing her partner over the victim.

"He was and is very good at manipulating people to get what he wants, and also good at getting me to believe all the lives he spoke over our whole relationship. I know that does not excuse what I did," said Cervello.

She was sentenced to five years of probation.