Man convicted in violent attack sentenced to 10-15 years in prison
NEW PHILADELPHIA – The family of a man imprisoned for last year’s violent assault in New Philadelphia is trying to gather support against what they call an excessive sentence.
Last week, a jury convicted 35-year-old Christopher Beatty of aggravated burglary and felonious assault. He was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. The charges stemmed from an Aug. 20 incident where police say Beatty and three other men, after a night of drinking, went to a New Philadelphia man’s home and violently attacked him over a personal dispute. The victim had numerous injuries, including facial fractures and a partially detached ear.
As Beatty pursues an appeal, his family has established a petition at change.org calling Beatty a hardworking, law-abiding father of five. They say he did not commit the crimes he is accused of and blame his co-defendants and a biased judicial system. 385 people had signed the petition as of Wednesday afternoon. It asks for a meticulous review of Beatty’s case and others like it.
One of the other defendants, 38-year-old Todd Riordan of Massillon, pleaded guilty to felonious assault and testified against Beatty. He will be sentenced April 30. Another defendant, 36-year-old Jared Soltero of Minerva, is scheduled to go on trial April 7. The grand jury is still considering the charges against the fourth defendant.