Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Adamsville Man Receives Prison Sentences for Obstructing Justice
Shawn R. Ridenbaugh was sentenced to prison for obstructing justice as a result of his lying to police about his girlfriend’s role in a man’s drug overdose death.
Ridenbaugh was also sentenced to prison for spitting on police.
On September 25, Ridenbaugh, 45, of Adamsville, appeared in Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas.
Judge Mark C. Fleegle sentenced Ridenbaugh to serve a total of nine years in prison.
Ridenbaugh will serve six years in prison for felony obstruction of justice. He will serve an additional three years for felony harassment with a bodily substance.
In February, officials responded to the death of Matthew Parmer, who was determined to have passed away from the effects of an accidental drug overdose.
Ridenbaugh lied twice to police investigating his girlfriend, Tashia D. Stevens, for selling the drugs causing Parmer’s death.
Stevens pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound. She is currently serving ten years in prison for her crimes.
On August 23, Ridenbaugh pleaded guilty to the spitting charges. He pleaded guilty to the obstruction of justice charges in July.
While imprisoned in the county jail, Ridenbaugh tested positive for hepatitis C, a life-threatening viral infection spread through contact with bodily fluids.
Ridenbaugh was restrained by officers in the jail and spat saliva into an officer’s face. Ridenbaugh had blood in his mouth at the time.
Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor John Litle says Ridenbaugh’s punishment is appropriate.
“Lying to the police when they are investigating a homicide is inexcusable, and Judge Fleegle’s sentence in this case demonstrates that this type of dishonesty will not be tolerated,” Litle said.
“Ridenbaugh has a horrible record of previous crimes and received a sentencing benefit when the Department of Corrections ‘early-terminated’ his post-release control for his last felony while he was in jail for this felony,” Litle said. “Nine years was absolutely the correct sentence in this case.”
###
Follow the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office on Facebook for the most current and complete information.
