APOhio News

Man sentenced after child rape photos found in donated tote

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison under a plea deal after prosecutors say an Ohio thrift store worker found photos of him sexually assaulting a toddler that were in a tote bag he’d donated.

The Columbus Dispatch reports 49-year-old Gary Sovie pleaded guilty to rape and pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.

He also was sentenced on Thursday to the maximum fine of $35,000 plus court costs. He will have to register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors say a Salvation Army worker in Columbus found 32 photos, some showing a naked girl and others showing a man sexually assaulting the child.

Authorities identified Sovie because the bag contained his mail. They say he told them he’s a “sick person.”

Sovie apologized in court.

Related posts

First baby box in northwest Ohio installed in Hicksville

Brooklyne Beatty

Pedestrian struck, killed on US 24 in Defiance Tuesday

Brooklyne Beatty

Defiance Co. bridge project to close Ohio 15 for 3 months

Derek Decker

Leave a Comment