A Scranton man convicted of raping an 18-year-old autistic woman was sentenced to 13 to 27 years in state prison Thursday by Lackawanna County Judge Michael Barrasse.
In May, a jury deliberated for only 90 minutes after a four-day trial before finding Mario Valentine, 43, guilty of rape of a mentally disabled person, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault of a person suffering a mental disability.
Before passing sentence, Barrasse heard a statement written by the victim detailing her life after the crime, marked by days spent in her room, leaving only to eat or drink.
The victim went on to describe continuing fears of men, especially those who resemble Valentine.
Two years later she is still in therapy, the statement concluded.
The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual assault.
Valentine, formerly of 1924 Lafayette St., was arrested on Jan. 6, 2024, after Scranton police responded to Geisinger Community Medical Center for the report of a sexual assault. When they arrived, a disabled woman said Valentine kissed her and forced her to have sex, according to a criminal complaint.
When interviewed by investigators, Valentine admitted having sexual intercourse with the woman but said it was consensual.
Following completion of his sentence, he will serve seven years of probation.
Upon release, Valentine will be required to register for the rest of his life as a sex offender with the Pennsylvania State Police, pursuant to the Pennsylvania Sexual Offenders Registration and Notification Act.
“The abhorrent actions of the defendant show his need to be removed from society,” Lackawanna County District Attorney Brian Gallagher said following Valentine’s conviction. “There is no more repugnant conduct than the sexual assault of the mentally disabled and our hearts go out to the victim. We are glad that justice was served and the jurors held the Defendant accountable for his repulsive actions.”