News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 24, 2025

Former Muskingum County Corrections Officer Admits Guilt

(ZANESVILLE, OH)

On October 24, 2025, Bryan Catlin, 50, of Zanesville, appeared in the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas before Judge Gerald Anderson to admit guilt to charges stemming from an incident which resulted from Catlin being confronted about his having engaged in non-consensual sex acts with a long-term partner.

Catlin admitted guilt to the following charges:

1. Kidnapping, a felony of the first degree

2. Domestic Violence a misdemeanor of the first degree

3. Obstructing Official Business, a felony of the fifth degree with a Firearm Specification

4. Improperly Handling Firearms in a Motor Vehicle a felony of the fifth degree

5. Using Weapons While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor of the first degree

Catlin is facing up to 16 years in prison in addition to registering as a violent offender for 10 years. His sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

The victim was actively involved throughout the prosecution and approved how the case was resolved. She was present in court to observe Catlin entering his pleas of guilty and she will have the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing.

Prosecutor Ron Welch stated “It takes a great deal of courage for sexual assault victims to come forward. Even with ongoing education and increased attention regarding sexual assault many people are still reluctant to convict sex offenders based solely on the word of the victim. Many also expect DNA, video, or eye-witness evidence to these crimes which is often unrealistic. Despite these disturbing facts, our office will continue to prosecute these difficult cases. As with all reported cases we are grateful the victim in this case was brave enough to come forward.”

Case Details:

On May 24, 2025, the victim called the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office and reported that Catlin was in possession of a firearm, that Catlin had abused her, and that his mental state was of concern to her.

She reported that she and Catlin began arguing in the early hours of May 22, 2025. The altercation resulted in Catlin grabbing the victim and holding her down on the bed. Using his hand, Catlin pushed his victim’s face and head back while holding her down.

Deputies observed fresh bruising on the victim’s forearm where she reported being held and a bruise on her thigh from where Catlin also kneed her.

While making the report the victim also told law enforcement the defendant had sexually assaulted her in the past.

Catlin was located later the same morning at the lower lot of Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Deputies found Catlin asleep in the vehicle, with a handgun sitting next to him.

Deputies were able to safely awake Catlin using airhorns and a PA system. Once awake Catlin refused to exit the vehicle for nearly three hours. During this time law enforcement observed Catlin drinking alcoholic beverages while holding the firearm to his head.

Catlin eventually surrendered himself to law enforcement and was taken into custody.

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