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Wellsville man gets community control for underage relationship

LISBON — Dakota Powell, a 22-year-old Wellsville man who began a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl when he was 19, was placed on five years community control on Friday.

But first Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam questioned his mother, Teresa Hawk, who made excuses on her son’s behalf during the sentencing hearing.

Washam asked why Powell seemed to believe he really should not be in any trouble because he had permission to date the girl, who was not present at the hearing. Hawk said she spoke to the mother of the girl at the time, asking her if she knew Powell’s age and was fine with the relationship.

Hawk indicated the girl’s mother did not care about the age difference. She further criticized the girl’s mother for not really caring who her daughter was around as long as she was not around her mother.

Hawk also stated evaluations done in conjunction with the court prove her son did not have the mentality of a 19-year-old and in Hawk’s opinion the girl was much more mature than her age would indicate. She noted her son and the girl thought they were in love.

“They liked each other,” Hawk said. “You can’t tell someone who loves someone what to do.”

Washam questioned Hawk about whether she has any control over her son. “You didn’t see it as inherently wrong for a 19-year-old to date a 15-year-old?” he asked

Hawk said since Powell has returned from the Heartland Behavioral Clinic, he has done much better. He is listening to family and has been taking his medication.

Defense attorney Joseph King said in his discussions with the family, they did not really know there was a sexual component to the teenage relationship.

It became apparent when Powell and the girl had a baby together. According to Hawk, the girl took the baby away when Powell was charged and at this point the family does not know where the child is. She questioned the teenager’s care of the child and Washam questioned “maybe that’s why 15-year-olds should not have children.”

“Maybe her mother should not have had children,” Hawk responded.

During sentencing Washam pointed out while Powell is not allowed to have contact with the teenage victim of the crime, it is possible for him to go through juvenile court to set up visitation with his child at some point.

Powell, who declined to make a statement prior to sentencing, will be required to register every 180 days for 25 years as a Tier II sex offender.

djohnson@mojonews.com

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