West Side man gets prison for assault
A West Scranton man was sentenced Tuesday for sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman.
Lackawanna County Judge Michael J. Barrasse sentenced Gary Wheaton, 26, to one to two years in state prison.
The victim was sitting on her bed watching television when Mr. Wheaton, 359 N. Garfield Ave., forced himself on her.
The Times-Tribune does not identify victims of sexual abuse.
The woman told police Mr. Wheaton groped her and, when she pushed his hand away, he pulled down her pants and sexually assaulted her.
His attorney, David Cherundolo, said Mr. Wheaton had a "difficult upbringing." His mother was 15 years old when he was born, and he was abused by other family members.
Scranton police arrested Mr. Wheaton in March and charged him with felony sexual assault and misdemeanor indecent assault.
He pleaded guilty to indecent assault.
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