Mercyhurst Sexual Assault Case Sentences Former Student to 2 Years Probation
Joseph "Bo" Zinner, a former student at Mercyhurst University, had his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, August 8th, 2018 at the Erie County Courthouse. Zinner was convicted of indecent assault, a misdemeanor of the second degree, back in December of 2017. The maximum sentence for this conviction could have resulted in Bo spending 2 years in jail. Leonard Ambrose, Attorney for the Defendant, pushed for a sentence of probation stating that, "There is no need for anything beyond that." Zinner has no prior criminal record.
Bo will serve 2 years probation in Ohio where him and his family reside. However, Zinner is also required to register as a sexual offender for the next 15 years. This will prohibit him from working with children under the age of 18. Bo stated, "It just hurts me that I may not have these opportunities to help other people." Zinner has previously been heavily involved in volunteer work including coaching young kids in the game of hockey. Bo further stated, "It's been a difficult time for my family." Ambrose has made it known that he intends to file an appeal on Bo's registration requirement as well as the inconsistent verdict given by the jury at trial.
Judge Brabender said, "It's a shame you're in the position you're in today. A case like this should be a lesson for any college student that not just anything goes."
To read more visit:
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180808/ex-mercyhurst-student-gets-probation-for-indecent-assault#