Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Man Convicted of Sexual Assault by Jury Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison
(ZANESVILLE, OH)
On June 26, 2025, after a two-day jury trial, Benjamin Mercer, 29, was found guilty by jury of Attempted Rape of a child under 13, a felony of the first-degree and Gross Sexual Imposition of a child under 13, a felony of the third-degree.
October 20, 2025, Mercer appeared before Judge Gerald Anderson in the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas to receive sentencing for his conviction.
Prior to sentencing Judge Anderson referenced the many letters he received in support of Mercer which highlighted Mercer’s moral compass. Judge Anderson then referenced how the victim’s letter and the recent report of an assault at the jail painted a completely different picture.
The young victim bravely stood in front of Judge Anderson and addressed the Court, feet away from Mercer, and read an impact statement which detailed the lifelong effects the victim and the victim’s family has endured because of the sexual assault.
After hearing from the defense, the State, and the victim, Judge Anderson ordered that Mercer serve a minimum prison sentence of sixteen (16) years.
Mercer, following his release from prison, will also be required to register as a tier 3 sex offender. As a tier 3 sex offender Mercer will be required to register with the Sheriff’s office every 90 days for the remainder of his life.
Also mandatory following his release is five (5) years of post-release control, otherwise known as community control or “parole”.
“Getting a conviction in a sexual assault case is very difficult,” stated Prosecutor Ron Welch. “Many jurors say they can believe the victim without other evidence but when it comes time to do it, they decide they want something more. The victim’s bravery and determination to see justice done provided Assistant Prosecutor Warren Edwards and our team with the necessary tools to see justice done in this case.”
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