YOUNGSTOWN - A former Austintown man serving a 15-to-50-year sentence for sexually and physically assaulting his former wife while holding her against her will for three hours is asking a judge to release him from prison.

A judicial release hearing is scheduled Thursday before Mahoning County Judge Anthony D’Onofrio for 65-year-old Daniel Staffrey Sr.

Staffrey has been in prison since 1997 following his conviction on charges of rape, attempted aggravated murder, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary.

An indictment was handed down alleging that on September 29, 1995, Staffrey broke into his ex-wife's home, holding her against her will for approximately three hours.

During that time, investigators say Staffrey repeatedly physically, sexually, and verbally assaulted his former wife, also making threats to kill her.

After several hours the victim was able to persuade Staffrey to let her go.

Staffrey, who is not eligible for his next parole hearing until September 2023, has been brought from the Grafton Correctional Institution to the Mahoning County jail where he awaits this week’s court hearing.