Judge James Jensen of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court says, "July 9, 1993 is the day you stole her childhood, her innocence, her trust of adults and scarred her for life."
Investigators say Roberts attacked the young victim in the woods behind Arbor Hills Junior High. Prosecutor Jeff Lingo says, "This girl did nothing, other than to innocently ride her bicycle to a friend's game."
The victim's testimony and DNA evidence led the jury to quickly convict Roberts on one each of rape, kidnapping, and sexual imposition.
Roberts stood quietly as the judge spoke. Defense attorney John Thebes says, "He would like me to articulate to this court that he maintains his innocence at this point, and I leave it to the court at this point to sentence him." And the judge did.
The judge said, 'It's hearby ordered on the rape that he serve a term of life in prison." With that, Roberts was led out of court, but not before telling prosecutors and the victim to "rot in hell".
The defense attorney asked the judge to consider having Roberts serve his sentence in Toledo and also to reconsider allowing him visitation with his children. The judge denied both requests. Roberts plans to appeal.
