Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Ohio Appeals Court Confirms Conviction of Zanesville Rapist
Judges on a state appeals court upheld a Zanesville sex offender’s conviction.
On October 15, the Ohio Fifth District Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of John D. Goins, 58, of Zanesville.
The Fifth District Court of Appeals hears appeals from Ashland, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Guernsey, Holmes, Knox, Licking, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Richland, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties.
Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor Joe Palmer argued the State’s case before the appeals court.
In July 2023, Goins sexually assaulted a woman whose truck overheated. Goins assaulted the victim at a public park in Zanesville.
The victim recognized Goins because he used to live near her.
The victim asked Goins for help with her truck. They drove to a park and Goins added water to the truck’s cooling system.
While the truck’s system cooled down, they sat at a shelter house at the park. Goins used this opportunity to overpower and sexually assault the victim.
Goins was interviewed by police. He denied sexually assaulting the victim and denied knowing that the park they visited even had a shelter house.
In January 2024, Goins finally admitted his guilt and pleaded guilty to one count of felony rape. Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill sentenced Goins to serve 10 years in prison. Goins was also required to register as a sex offender.
During his sentencing hearing in February, Goins wanted to take back his guilty plea because he said he did not understand the plea.
In arguments before the Court of Appeals, the State directed judges to review the transcripts from Goins’ plea hearing. The transcripts showed that Goins did understand the plea and the possible penalties of pleading guilty.
Muskingum County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch says Palmer’s work was key to helping the appeals judge reach the right decision.
“Assistant Prosecutor Palmer did a great job on this case,” Prosecutor Welch said. “He provided clear information which allowed the Court of Appeals to make a fair and correct decision.”
Welch says the case’s outcome shows how hard the Prosecutor’s Office works to obtain justice for victims.
“Our office was successful at every phase of this case,” Prosecutor Welch said. “We prosecuted a difficult case, obtained a conviction, secured a significant sentence for a victim, and protected the outcome during appeals. This is how our office works to make sure victims receive justice and criminals receive punishment.”
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