COLUMBUS, Ohio — A former Columbus firefighter accused of rape was sentenced Monday to three years in prison as part of a plea deal.
Christopher Shaffer, 38, agreed to plead guilty to two different charges earlier this month, according to the Fairfield County prosecuting attorney.
He was originally charged with rape but agreed to plead guilty to one count of sexual battery and one count of gross sexual imposition – both are third-degree felonies.
Fairfield County Common Pleas Court documents say that Shaffer “unlawfully did engage in sexual conduct” with the victim on or about July 21. Documents also say that Shaffer "knew or had reasonable cause to believe that [the victim’s] ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age."
A victim's advocate read a statement at the sentencing hearing saying, in part, "Ever since that day I have hurt in a way I didn't know possible. What he did was demoralizing."
Standing in front of Judge David Trimmer in the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, Shaffer was seen crying as he spoke.
“I made the worst mistake of my life,” he said. “I can’t even imagine the turmoil my actions have created and how it has impacted the victim.”
Judge Trimmer said during the hearing, “You’re right. You’ve disparaged the firefighters. You’ve disparaged the National Guard… You had it all and this is a primary example of how certain aspects of our life, if left unchecked, can ruin us.”
He was sentenced to 36 months in prison with five years of post-release control. Shaffer will be required to register as a Tier I sex offender.
The Columbus Division of Fire confirmed that Shaffer submitted his resignation on Sept. 19.