SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO) – A Barberton woman was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison for allowing a convicted sex offender to live in a home with children.
In March, Kirstie Kandel, 33, pleaded guilty to four counts of endangering children.
According to Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich, Kandel allowed Seth Chio, a Tier III sex offender, to live in the home from October 2024 to July 2025.
While in the home, Chio allegedly committed sexual acts against the children. His trial on those charges is scheduled for Oct. 6.
Chio, 38, of Youngstown, also has previous convictions for rape, sexual battery, and gross sexual imposition.
“Kirstie Kandel failed to protect these children. She knew the danger this individual—a convicted sex offender—posed, yet allowed him to remain in the home and even took steps to shield him from law enforcement,” said Kolkovich.
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