TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - A man prosecutors say raped a woman inside Flower Hospital back in April will serve four and a half years for the crime.
Judge Stacy Cook found Jesse Buck guilty of sexual battery after Buck entered a no contest plea on December 9.
Jesse Buck was sentenced to 58 months in prison, just under the maximum five years behind bars that his sexual battery charge carried.
"We were a little shocked," said Buck's attorney Joe Westmeyer III. "We feel it was a hard sentence under the circumstances, but we respect the court's ability to do what's within the law."
Investigators say the rape happened in a bathroom in the psychiatric ward of the hospital. The victim was also a patient at the hospital at the time of the incident.
"The judge felt differently than we did about the circumstances that led to the plea and the ultimate conviction," said Westmeyer.
Buck also received five years of mandatory post-release control and will have to register as a Tier III sex offender for life.
In court Buck apologized to the victim and their family. His attorney says Buck is ready to move forward.
"I know he's upset, but he's ready to move on and take what punishment he has coming to him," said Westmeyer.
Buck will receive credit for the 239 days already served. He has 30 days to file an appeal.
