Eastside man indicted in woman's rape, strangulation

DOVER - An East Rochester man indicted in the rape and strangulation of a woman in September faces up to 47 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.

John Stonis, 37, of 7 Gina Drive, East Rochester, was formerly charged by a Strafford County grand jury on two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault and one count of second degree assault.

According to the indictment Stonis forced himself on the victim engaging in multiple sex acts "by overcoming her through the actual application of physical force, physical violence or superior physical strength" on Sept. 30.

The assault indictment alleges Stonis strangled the victim "in that he did apply pressure to the throat and/or neck area of (the victim) with his hand(s) causing her to experience impeded breathing (and/or) blood circulation."

Both of the sex assault charges are considered "Special Felonies" and carry a 20-40 year sentence, while the second degree assault connected with the strangulation allegation carries a three and a half to seven year prison term.

The assaults all occurred in Rochester on the same day, records indicate.

Stonis is currently being held at Strafford County Jail on $10,000 bail, jail personnel said today.

The indictment was handed down Nov. 16 and released on Wednesday.

An indictment is nor an indication of guilt, rather that enough evidence has been presented to warrant a trial.