Michael Chaffin received a four-year prison sentence Thursday for attempted rape.
Charlotte Caldwell | The Lima News
LIMA — A Lima man was sentenced to a minimum of four years in prison Thursday in Allen County Common Pleas Court for attempted rape, a second-degree felony.
Michael Chaffin’s prison term is not mandatory, meaning after a certain period of time Chaffin could be eligible for judicial release. He was also granted 563 days of jail credit, which is the amount of time he’s been in custody before sentencing. He must also register as a tier III sex offender.
The prosecution had no sentencing recommendations. Chaffin’s attorney, Zachary Maisch, said Chaffin, 48, has remorse for his actions. Maisch said Chaffin has limitations and mental health issues and has not had an easy life as he has spent time homeless, experienced a brain injury and has no support from family or friends.
“I’m really sorry for invading that woman’s privacy,” Chaffin said.
According to court records, on Jan. 30, 2023, Chaffin attempted to sexually assault a female employee in the women’s restroom at the McDonald’s on West Market Street in Lima by trying to push her back into the stall she was coming out of. The female got away from Chaffin, locked the stall door and called out to her manager for help.
Chaffin later admitted to Lima Police Det. Steve Stechschulte that he entered the restroom with the intention of having sex with the employee and said he felt bad about it.
Chaffin was indicted on charges of kidnapping and attempted rape and was found incompetent to stand trial in 2023 after doctors at the Forensic Psychiatry Center for Western Ohio in Dayton said Chaffin was unable to understand court proceedings or to assist in his own defense. In May, he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and on July 11 he pleaded guilty. The kidnapping charge was dismissed.
Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.
