Avella man sentenced to prison
An Avella man who was convicted in May of inappropriately touching two young girls was sentenced Tuesday in Washington County Court to 3 to 9 years in prison.
Donald E. Hannen, 74, of Jefferson Avenue, was sentenced before Common Pleas Judge Valarie Costanzo. Hannen was convicted of aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent assault of a person younger than 13 and indecent assault of a person younger than 16 following a three-day jury trial in May.
Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman said the incidents occurred between 2008 and 2013 at Hannen’s home.
Hannen said during the hearing Tuesday there was “nothing I can say that can change this.” He declined to make further comment. His attorney, Gary Graminski, said Hannen’s family has become divided over the allegations.
“There is never a winner in these types of cases,” he said. “There’s always a sad outcome.”
Graminski said he was unsure if Hannen would file an appeal.
Clingerman was pleased with the outcome. She said the victims both trusted Hannen and he exploited their trust. Clingerman said Hannen has yet to show remorse and instead places blame with others, including the victims and state police.
In addition to the prison sentence, Costanzo ordered Hannen to register for life as a sex offender.
Hannen was returned to Washington County jail, where he awaits transfer to a state facility.