By JIMMY LAWTON

CANTON – St. Lawrence County District Attorney Mary Rain says today’s victory in the Hartle trial is a huge relief for the rape victim who showed courage during the proceedings.

“The family is absolutely delighted with the results,” she said. “The victim is very relieved that this is over and that there was a conviction.”

Mark Hartle, 48, of Gouverneur, was found guilty on nine violent felonies, including rape, and at least 15 other counts. Hartle is accused of having repeated sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl. The victim is a daughter of Hartle’s close personal friend.

While this is the first time Hartle has been convicted of rape, it’s not the first time he has been charged. Hartle was acquitted in a gang rape case in the 1990s that allegedly took place at the Casablanca Restaurant.

Rain said he could face up to 225 years in prison for the felonies alone. She said the sentencing will remain up to the judge but she plans to argue that the terms should be consecutive.

A key argument by the defense was that there was no forcible resistance from the victim, but Rain said there was a lot of passive resistance. She said the victim slumped to the ground in dead weight and was physically led by Hartle. She commended the jury for taking a hard look at the evidence and coming to the right decision.

Rain also commended the courage of the victim for coming forward with her story, pointing out the difficulty involved in outing her father’s friend.

Rain said her office has been very successful in sexual assault cases.

“Every sexual assault case I have tried, we have got a victory from,” she said.

Rain said her office has also issued plea deals with steep penalties. She said two plea deals resulted in life sentences and three others resulted in more than 20 year sentences. Rain said there have been numerous double digit sentences as well.

She said pleas are often used in sexual assault cases to alleviate the victim from having to testify.

“It’s extremely difficult and emotional,” she said.

Rain said she is pleased with the results, but her office, which is extremely shorthanded, must move on to the next case.

“We are glad it’s over and now it’s on to the next one,” she said.