Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 16, 2025
Rape Trial Results in Hung Jury
Michael W. France, 55, of Hopewell, OH, was tried on one count of kidnapping, one count of gross sexual imposition, and two counts of rape. All of the charges involved a victim who at the time of the crime was less than thirteen years old.
During the two-day trial, the victim took the stand and testified as to what happened. Several other parties also testified during trial in addition to the victim; a sibling that testified to witnessing the abuse, the adult to whom the victim disclosed the abuse, the forensic interviewer from Harcum House Child Advocacy Center who conducted an interview where the victim described the abuse, and a detective.
The case, at the conclusion of the two-day trial, resulted in a mistrial. The mistrial is a result of the jury being unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
Following the case’s mistrial the prosecutor’s office argued for the bond to remain at its original amount of $500,000 but the court reduced the bond to $50,000. Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch immediately informed the court of the State’s intention to re-try the case.
The case is currently scheduled for re-trial on July 15th, 2025.
Regarding the hung jury Prosecutor Welch said "We are disappointed with the outcome of this case. Obtaining a guilty verdict in a case of child sexual assault is difficult. The outcome of the case often rests solely on the testimony of the victim who frequently has waited months or even years to disclose the abuse. Because of the delayed disclosure physical evidence such as DNA or proof of injuries may be lost. Further, victims can suffer from issues that are exploited by the defense such as behavior problems, mental health issues, or family conflict. Ultimately, when these cases proceed to trial, the case comes down to the jury's willingness to believe the victim without some additional evidence to corroborate the crime.”
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s office will provide further details on the case following the re-trial.
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