Cleveland Heights Man Who Pleaded Guilty to Rape to be Sentenced Thursday

The Cleveland Heights man who pleaded guilty to raping a woman while she was moving into her Hampshire Road apartment faces up to 30 years in prison, and will be sentenced Thursday. 

Winston Scott, 26, of 932 Whitby Road, was arrested on Feb. 19 on charges that he raped a 24-year-old woman while she was moving into a building in Cleveland Heights.

Ryan Miday, spokesperson for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason’s Office, described what happened that day. 

The woman propped her door open while she was bringing her belongings into her apartment. She saw Scott hanging out by the building, but figured he was a resident.

As she was working, Scott slipped into the apartment and hid in a bedroom. When she was finished, he ran out, threatened her with a knife and sexually assaulted her. He then stole her cell phone and ID badge.

Neighbors heard her scream and knocked on her door. When no one answered, they called Cleveland Heights Police.

When they arrived, Scott ran out the back door, but police obtained a description and arrested him within minutes. A knife, the woman's ID and cell phone were found nearby.

Scott pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment March 1. On June 1, he pleaded guilty to rape, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary. 

His sentencing will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Judge Stuart Friedman's courtroom. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.