T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Fred Hlinovsky appears via video conference on Tuesday for his sentencing hearing for sexual conduct with a minor. Retired Belmont County Common Pleas judge John Solovan sentenced Hlinovsky to five years in prison.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Fred Hlinovsky was sentenced to five years in prison — the maximum penalty — for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a felony of the third degree.

Hlinovsky, 54, of 42780 Mount Hope Road, Flushing appeared via video conference from the Belmont County Jail on Tuesday before retired Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Solovan for sentencing. Solovan was filling in for Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, who was “unable to attend” Tuesday’s hearing.

Hlinovsky pleaded guilty to the charge on Jan. 31. He originally had been charged with one count of rape, which was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The charges stem from a reported offense at a Holloway residence he was visiting on Aug. 13, 2005, when the victim — a 14-year-old girl — also was visiting. Hilnovsky was indicted when a possible DNA match was found in testing in 2019.

Prior to the sentencing, the victim who is now 32 years old, gave a victim impact statement in which she described the turmoil the incident has caused for her over the years and the effects she has been left with — “anguish and a lifetime of trauma.”

She said she despises that Hlinovsky has spent the last 17 years walking free and acting as though he was a victim. She said she will never be the same person and that the incident has affected every relationship she has had since in a negative way.

“I don’t believe you feel any remorse for what you did. I don’t believe you ever will feel badly for your actions which burns me even more. I stand before you today forever scarred by your sexual assault but I am no longer paralyzed by it. I’m stronger simply for no longer suffering in silence and with justice finally being done,” she said, adding that she can finally begin to heal and rebuild her life and mental health.

She also expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in bringing Hlinovsky to justice and ensuring her voice was heard.

Defense attorney R. Aaron Miller spoke on behalf of his client. He said Hlinovsky has accepted responsibility for the incident by entering a guilty plea. Miller said his client had “things” happen to him as a child that led him to abuse drugs and alcohol.

“If the court looks at his criminal record, basically every offense he has committed has been related to alcohol abuse or drug abuse in one way or another. This particular case is no exception. Again, that is not an excuse, it’s just a matter of fact. Hopefully he will be able to receive the treatment that is necessary to prepare him for a future that is separate and apart from alcohol and drug abuse,” Miller said.

Miller asked for a 36-month sentence to be imposed for Hlinovsky since he has accepted responsibility and given his history of substance abuse.

Hlinovsky also spoke briefly.

“I just want to apologize to the victim … and take responsibility for my actions and move on with my life, put this behind me,” he said.

Solovan then rendered sentencing. He said Hlinovsky has a history of criminal convictions including theft, felony theft, escape, two felony OVIs, three failures to comply, three misdemeanor OVIs, and five driving under suspensions. He said Hlinovsky has not responded “favorably to sanctions previously imposed.” Though Hlinovsky has a history of substance abuse, he has not sought treatment, the judge said.

“Though I do appreciate the fact he has accepted responsibility today, he has only begun to accept the responsibility necessary in this case,” Solovan added.

Solovan imposed a sentence of five years in prison. Hlinovsky was also given a five-year period of post release control after he is released from prison. He must also reimburse the state and county for the cost of supervision, confinement and prosecution.

Hlinovsky will be designated a Tier 2 sexual offender and after release will be required to register with the sheriff’s office of his county of residence every 180 days for 25 years.

“Accepting responsibility is a good thing in your life. What you have done to this girl is tragic. I’m not going to make any further comment, but the sentencing is appropriate in this case,” Solovan said.