Iraqi immigrant receives maximum penalty for rape conviction

syracuse.com
By Jim O'Hara / The Post-Standard
Updated: Monday, February 06, 2012, 1:28 PM

Syracuse, NY - An Iraqi immigrant was sentenced today in Onondaga County Court to the maximum penalty of 25 years in state prison for raping a woman doing maintenance work in his apartment.

Omar Anwar, 26, of Wilkinson Street, had nothing to say before Judge Joseph Fahey imposed the harsh penalty for what the judge said was a "particularly vicious and brutal attack."

A jury found Anwar guilty Jan. 13 of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree unlawful imprisonment and third-degree assault.

Assistant District Attorney Janet Fall said the victim had been helping the maintenance worker paint Anwar's apartment for several days last May when she realized she had left her cellphone charger at the apartment.

When she went to retrieve it, Anwar grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into his bedroom and sexually assaulted her, the prosecutor said.

Defense lawyer Scott Micho asked Fahey to impose a minimum penalty, contending Anwar had helped the U.S. military in Iraq before coming to this country. That's a claim Anwar made at trial as well.

But Fall asked Fahey to ignore that, noting she had had several agencies check out Anwar's story and had come up with no proof to support his claims. She noted Anwar's roommate had received awards and medals for helping the U.S. military and she accused the defendant of trying to use the roommate's background for himself.

The victim was present in court with her mother for her attacker's sentencing. But she chose not to address the judge before he imposed the sentence.

Anwar faces deportation after serving his prison sentence, according to Fall.

Iraqi immigrant receives maximum penalty for rape conviction | syracuse.com