News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Man Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice in Jail Escape Case

On April 7, 2025, Joshua L. Riggs pleaded guilty to two charges of obstructing justice. These charges are the result of his role in Wayne Pletcher's escape from Muskingum County jail on February 1, 2025. Riggs is now the second individual to appear in court and plead guilty for his involvement in the escape.

Details of the Crime:

During the investigation, detectives uncovered phone records. One of Pletcher's phones, used after he escaped, was traced back to 103 Pierce St., Zanesville. Joshua Riggs and his girlfriend, Lindsey Richards, lived at that address.

On February 7, 2025, officers went to the home on Pierce St. where they executed a search warrant. From there, Riggs and Richards were both interviewed.

Riggs said in his interview that Pletcher and his girlfriend, Sara Moore, came to his home on February 1, 2025. That was the day Pletcher escaped from Muskingum County Jail.

Riggs admitted that he was aware of the escape and allowed both Pletcher and Moore into the home. During the time that Pletcher and Moore were at the home, Richards ordered fentanyl for Moore. After Pletcher and Moore got the drugs, they left.

The investigation found that Riggs started getting calls and texts from Pletcher. These messages came through Eliveea Largent's phone. On February 3, Riggs delivered fentanyl to Largent's house, where Pletcher was staying.

Prosecutors charged Riggs with four separate counts of obstructing justice. Judge Cottrill sentenced Riggs to a 30-month prison sentence for his role in Pletcher's escape.

The Prosecuting Attorney handling the jail escape cases, Warren Edwards, confirmed the other defendants that have been charged are still awaiting trial. The Prosecutor’s Office will continue to provide updates on the remaining cases.

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