News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 18, 2025

Muskingum County Court Hands Down 44-Year Prison Sentence on Child Sexual Assault Case

Zanesville, OH - In July, a three-day trial concluded with a Jury deliberating for approximately 8 hours before returning guilty verdicts against Cody Friend on 12 of 13 counts. The charges included eleven counts of Rape and one count of Gross Sexual Imposition. The three victims in the case were under the age of 18 when the crimes happened from 2003 to 2011.

Sentencing:

On August 18, 2025, Cody Friend, 32, of Lancaster, OH, appeared in the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas before Judge Gerald Anderson to receive sentencing for 10 counts of Rape and one count of Gross Sexual Imposition. Representing the State was Muskingum County Prosecutor, Ron Welch. Cody Friend was represented in Court by Lancaster Attorney, Scott Wood.

During sentencing the three victims in this case bravely stood in the Court before Judge Anderson to read statements highlighting the impact that Friend’s actions have had on their lives. A recurring theme from the three letters, that Judge Anderson noted, was that Cody Friend, throughout the duration of this case, has refused to accept responsibility or show any remorse for what he did.

Prosecutor Welch requested a maximum sentence of 111 ½ years. Welch argued to the court that Friend’s sexual assaults left three children with lifelong trauma. Trauma that consisted of addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Welch credited the victims for not seeking vengeance but wanting justice. Despite none of the victims asking the court to impose the maximum sentence, Welch stated he felt compelled to ask for the maximum sentence as a way of protecting the public and punishing the offender. A life sentence for the defendant was not possible because Friend committed the sexual assaults as a juvenile.

Cody Friend refused the opportunity to make a statement prior to sentencing as well as during his pre-sentence investigation.

Following the victim statements Judge Anderson imposed a mandatory 44-year prison sentence. Mandatory means the defendant must serve every day and is not eligible for a sentence reduction. The defendant’s sentence expires in 2068. Following the expiration of his sentence Friend is also required to register as a tier three sex offender. As a tier three sex offender, Friend will be required to register with the Sheriff’s office every 90 days for the remainder of his life.

Sexual abuse cases are often the most difficult to prosecute. What makes these cases even more difficult to prosecute is when they involve delayed disclosure. Many times, and more often when the victims are children, victims do not disclose their abuse. Reasons for this include fear, shame, confusion and manipulation by their abusers.

Still, each victim asked not only for justice from the Court, but mercy as well. One letter noted “Justice should not only punish; it should seek the truth, healing and change.”

Discussing the challenges of prosecuting sexual assaults that occurred more than 10 years ago, Prosecutor Welch stated “Sexual assault cases are the most difficult cases we handle. The victims in these cases have suffered traumatic harm that lasts a lifetime. Sometimes we must make difficult decisions about whether to have a trial or offer a negotiated resolution. Prosecutors must consider the evidence they are able to present, the impact testifying will have on the victim, and the likelihood of a conviction when making a decision regarding a trial. In this case, the courage and willingness of the victims to testify allowed justice to be served.”

###
Follow the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office on Facebook for the most current and complete information.