Defendant Sentenced to 3 Years Probation For Role in Home Invasion

Michael A. Taylor, 20, of North Canton, will serve three years of probation for his role in . Taylor served as the lookout while two other men robbed a young couple and raped the female resident in the couple's Sunford Avenue SE apartment in North Canton.

Taylor, who , had pleaded guilty to attempt to commit burglary, a third-degree felony, and appeared in Judge Taryn L. Heath's courtroom in Stark County Common Pleas Court about 11:30 a.m. today for sentencing.

Both he and his attorney chose not to make any statements during the sentencing hearing.

In addition to three years of probation (the first being under intense supervision), Heath ordered Taylor to perform 200 hours community service and maintain full-time employment.

He's also required to receive assessment for any drug or alcohol problems he may have, complete an anger management program and successfully complete a victim awareness program through state probation.

Taylor must have no contact with co-defendants or victims in the case. He's also subject to drug and alcohol monitoring.

Taylor accompanied Seth R. Obermiller, 19, who  Sept. 29 and is slated to be sentenced next week, to the couple's home in Meadowbrook Apartments. Police say two-time Mr. Football recipient and Hoover High grad Erick Howard, 20, accompanied them.

Police said two men (Howard and Obermiller) broke into the couple's home through the basement window. They woke up the couple, pointed handguns in their faces, duct taped their hands and feet and taped over their mouths. They demanded their cellphones and stole $1,000 cash, a pair of earrings and other belongings before leaving in a car.

The woman told police she also had been raped. She was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where she was treated and released shortly after.

Howard  and  on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, rape and kidnapping.