Mexican Man Convicted of Rape

(Painesville, Ohio) In October 2009, a 32-year-old Mexican national, illegally in the United States, Miguel Pina-Martinez, was arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old local girl. Yesterday, Pina-Martinez pleaded guilty through an interpreter to one count of rape and one count of kidnapping.

The rape plea was an Alford plea — meaning he denies certain facts presented by the prosecutor but is admitting guilt to avoid the possibility of a much greater sentence if convicted at trial.

Sentencing has been scheduled for March 11 when Pina-Martinez faces a possible 18 years in prison.

Judge Eugene A. Lucci revoked Pina-Marinez's bond and indicated that he may end up being deported. Jeez, one might think that deportation should be a definite as opposed to a maybe.