A Butler County judge sentenced a man Wednesday to two years of probation for abusing a mentally handicapped man. However, the father of the victim asked the judge to send James J. Styen, 21, to prison, and criticized prosecutors for a lack of notifications in two related cases.

Styen was originally charged in March with “strikes, shoves, kicks or attempts/threatens care-dependent person” and simple assault.

Styen was one of three people charged with assaulting the victim at Lifesteps, a medical care facility in Summit Township. All three were aides at the facility.

The victim's father, Richard Sefscik, also wondered why he wasn't informed by the court that the other two defendants in the case took plea deals that allowed them to enter accelerated rehabilitative disposition. The program allows defendants to undergo probation and government supervision for a period of time — and if they complete the program, their records are wiped clean.

As part of Styen's plea deal, the first charge was dropped. For simple assault, Judge William Shaffer told the victim's father that he didn't have the authority under sentencing guidelines to put Styen in jail. Instead, Shaffer sentenced Styen to two years of probation.

During sentencing, Shaffer asked Styen how old he was at the time of the incident. Styen told him he was about 20 years old at the time.

“That's the only reason I'm accepting this (deal) Mr. Styen,” Shaffer told the defendant.

Sefscik told the court his son suffered injuries, including a black eye, broken finger, bruising and a bite mark from the attack. He said that although his son is in his 30s, he has the mental capabilities of a 2-year-old.

Sefscik presented a victim impact statement written by his son.

“I can be mildly aggressive at times, but instead of restraining me, they threw me around and punched me,” Sefscik read aloud. “They broke my family's trust to treat me with kindness and compassion. I had no way to tell people. So, I acted out and they gave me more medicine to calm me down, which made me sleepy and lethargic.”

Sefscik said his son's anxiety has decreased now that Styen was facing his actions.

Barbara E. Ion, 57, of Kittanning, and Angel M. Stiteler, 26, of Cabot, were charged along with Styen. Ion entered a two-year, accelerated rehabilitative disposition program Sept. 11, and Stiteler entered the same program Sept. 9.

Styen declined to make a comment during sentencing. He must also serve 50 hours of community service and pay a $300 fine.