A Struthers man was sentenced, Thursday afternoon, after pleading guilty to charges stemming from having sexual contact with a 12 year-old girl.

"Through the three years that I was groomed and assaulted into my adult life I have missed out on countless experiences that are typical for a child, teenager and young adult. Over the past decade I attended hundreds of hours of therapy," said the victim in court.

The victim spoke in court about the damage she says Neal Wire, 36,  inflicted on her that can never be undone.

She said he took away her innocence when he began to sexually abuse her for three years starting in 2011 when she was just 12 years old. She said Wire touched her nearly every day.
The victim said through therapy she decided to report the abuse in 2020.

"The defendant exhibited behaviors that are consistent with grooming . He would tell her, 'you're my best friend.' He would try to gain her confidence so she wouldn't tell anyone about what happened," said Kevin Day, who prosecuted the case.

"I wish to say how immensely sorry I am," said Wire to Judge John Durkin. "I know I could apologize a thousand times over and it will never make up for what happened. You trusted me to protect you and I betrayed that trust," added Wire.

Wire pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery and one count of gross sexual imposition, both 3rd degree felonies back in February.

Other charges such as rape were dropped as a result.

Judge John Durkin sentenced Wire to a total of 8 years in prison. He must also report as a tier 3 sex offender for the rest of his life..