Sandusky man sentenced to eight years for attempted rape

SANDUSKY — A Sandusky man Thursday was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted rape.Zachary Van Zandt, 26, pleaded guilty Oct. 4 to the charge. Other counts of rape, gross sexual imposition and aggravated burglary against Van Zandt were previously dismissed.The charge stems from a 2016 allegation in which Van Zandt reportedly entered a condo at Chesapeake Lofts, on West Shoreline Drive, and sexually assaulted a 42-year-old woman he did not know.Police recovered DNA from the scene that later proved to be a match to Van Zandt.The victim of the alleged assault was not present at the sentencing hearing, as she wanted to "put this matter behind her," according to Erie County assistant prosecutor Aaron Lindsey.Ken Bailey, Van Zandt's attorney, said his client "admitted and accepted responsibility" for the crime and emphasized Van Zandt is a successful student and hard worker.Judge Roger Binette delivered the sentence, which was previously jointly agreed upon by the prosecution and Van Zandt's attorney, according to court records."I saw your mom and grandma, the pain in their eyes, the hurt," Binette said, referencing Van Zandt's family in attendance at the hearing. "While they cry, the victim, their family and friends, they cry too."Your actions hurt that victim and her security," he added.Van Zandt spoke and apologized during the hearing."There's nothing I can do to take this away (but) there are things I can do to pay the debt I made," he said.Binette also told Van Zandt that he hopes he gets the help he needs so he "never does this again" after he's released.More Erie County Common Pleas court articlesReach reporter Brandon Addeo at brandonaddeo@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @BrandonAddeo and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterAttorney Ken Bailey looks down as a sheriff's deputy places handcuffs on his client, Zachary Van Zandt. Van Zandt was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted rape.