NORWICH – Stephen R. Ohl, 24, Cunningham Lawrence Road, Sherburne, will spend the next 18 years in state prison for his role in the Dec. 4, 2006 home invasion and sexual assault.

At Ohl’s sentencing, the victim in the crime read a letter before the court saying, “Ever since Mr. Ohl and Mr. Elwood broke into my home, my life hasn’t been my own. I never feel safe anymore. I don’t know why he was so violent. He’s got children, a family and a fiancee. I know the family. They’re a good family, and I don’t understand how he could do such a thing. I will never understand.”

District Attorney Joseph McBride said he could not say anything to the court that could impact it more than the victim’s remarks, but said, “This shocks me. This shocks the community. These things don’t happen here, and the fact they were committed by a local person is even more shocking.”

In exchange for his 18-year prison term, Ohl pleaded guilty to first degree criminal sexual act and first degree robbery. Ohl agreed to testify against his alleged co-conspirator, Jonathan “Joe” Elwood, 29, of Ashcraft Road, Norwich.