Rocky River man arraigned on 25 counts of rape
By Michelle Payne
Rocky River
Published Oct. 5, 2005

A Rocky River man suspected of molesting two boys was arraigned Monday morning on 25 counts of rape as well as numerous other sexually related charges.

Distasio

Phillip J. Distasio, 33, pleaded not guilty to all the charges which include 25 counts of rape, five counts of corrupting another with drugs, once count of gross sexual imposition, disseminating obscene matter harmful to a juvenile, pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and possessing a criminal tool.

According to prosecutors, Distasio abused the two Lakewood boys, ages 11 and 12-years-old, while homeschooling them at his apartment at 2768 Wooster Road.

Distasio was arrested on Aug. 23 after police received a tip from an employee at a Lakewood teen center. According to Rocky River Police, one of the victims had been talking with a counselor at the center when he revealed the abuse. Police had been monitoring Distasio prior to the victim's confession, but had nothing concrete until the boy came forward.

In addition to his home schooling, Distasio also worked at Cleveland's Westpark YMCA, 15501 Lorain Ave. From 1993 to 1994 he worked at the center as an instructor with the county's Positive Education Program, which focuses on helping children and adolescents with behavioral problems.

Due to his extensive contact with children over the years, prosecutor William Mason believes there could be more children who've been victimized by Distasio and encourages anyone with information to come forward.

"If there is anyone else out there that is a victim of Distasio, please contact my office," he said.

Rocky River Mayor William Knoble along with several council members were also out in Distasio's neighborhood last weekend encouraging residents to report any information to police.

"We put out flyers to residents around the Morley Park area last weekend, the streets were canvassed with the flyers that had the offender's picture on it," said Brian Hagan, councilman for ward four. " I talked with parents out and about in the area and none had any knowledge of any of their children being accosted, but said they would talk to them about it."

In addition to investigating Distasio, the prosecutor was also interested in talking with his roommate, 44-year-old Christopher Nolan. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but Nolan committed suicide on Sept. 10 before police could bring him in for questioning. Lakewood police found him after he hung himself in a park.

The victims, whose names are not being released, are not related to Distasio.

If convicted on all counts, Distasio would face life in prison, according to Jamie Dalton, public information officer for Mason.

"I totaled up the number of years after looking at all the crimes he was indicted for and he's looking at approximately 300 years in prison if convicted," she said.

Distasio previously lived in New Hampshire and Columbus, but has not prior convictions. He is being held at the Cuyahoga County jail on a half-million dollar bond.