A man who forcibly raped a woman in the Village of Phoenix in July of 2005 has been convicted.  Joseph A. Stefanovich was sentenced to 20 years in state  prison by Oswego County Court Judge James Metcalf, for Rape in the First Degree.  Stefanovich will also receive five years’ post-release supervision.  The conviction pertains to an allegation that Stefanovich grabbed the victim from behind, put her in a chokehold, and dragged her into a wooded area where the offense was committed.

Stefanovich was linked to the case due to a DNA sample from a 2006 case.  The DNA was on profile due to a prior sexual offense conviction.

At trial, Stefanovich claimed that his DNA appeared in the rape kit because he had a consensual encounter with the victim on the day of the offense.  He told the jury that another person must have raped her later that same day.

The victim testified that she did not know Stefanovich and had never engaged in consensual intercourse with him.

District Attorney Gregory Oakes, the prosecutor of the case, stated that he wanted to commend the victim for having the “strength to come forward and the courage to testify at trial. Our community is now safe from this predator because of her bravery and fortitude. It was an honor to stand up and fight for her in court.”

The yearly distribution of free flu vaccine has ended on October 5th and in result, 350 plus students has received their shot. On this month of October, the coldness is coming near and this means that flu season is now in session.

Angela Brown, director of Student Health Services, explained the importance of receiving the flu shot and the ways to prevent catching or spreading the flu virus.

“So the flu shot is important because it prevents usually prevents the person from getting the flu; that is the goal of it. Um, once you get a flu vaccine, you can potentially still contract the flu virus, so one of the advantages of getting the flu shot has is that if you get the virus, it means that you’re sick for a shorter amount of days and usually less sick than someone who have never been vaccinated.” Brown said.

They are plenty of simple ways to stay clean and safe. Being active, eating healthy, staying positive and importantly washing your hands,  is the major way to prevent catching or spreading the virus.

“Make sure you wash your hands. Any mucus membrane, so your nose, your eyes, your mouth can be a portal for a virus to get in so if you are walking around campus, then go eat lunch and don’t wash your hands, you can the flu virus that way.”

Mary Walker Health Center are now trying to establish mobile flu shots and it might appear in many residence halls.

For more information, you can contact 315.312.4100 or email  whealth@oswego.edu or visit their website https://www.oswego.edu/walker-health-center/