Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
REPEAT OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS AFTER FOUR SEPARATE CRIMINAL CASES
ZANESVILLE, OH — A Zanesville man whose criminal conduct spanned four separate cases—including an armed robbery, theft of a firearm, drug possession, and the strangulation of another inmate—will spend the next 15 years in prison.
On August 31, 2026, Kyle West, 28, appeared before Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Judge Kelly Cottrill for sentencing.
West, who has prior convictions for Theft, Breaking and Entering, and Burglary, was sentenced for offenses committed over a period of several months in 2026.
WALMART ROBBERY
In Case No. CR2026-0301, West pleaded guilty to Safecracking, Having Weapons While Under Disability, and Robbery with firearm and Repeat Violent Offender specifications.
On April 26, West entered a local Walmart while armed with a firearm. Surveillance footage showed West damaging the lock on a jewelry display case and stealing jewelry from inside.
Because of his prior felony record, West was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Judge Cottrill sentenced West to 7 years in prison for this case.
STOLEN FIREARM CONNECTED TO ROBBERY
Just days after the Walmart robbery, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen handgun.
In Case No. CR2026-0366, West pleaded guilty to Having Weapons While Under Disability and Grand Theft of a Firearm.
A forensic examination of West’s cellphone recovered video showing West holding the stolen handgun. Investigators were also able to identify the same firearm in surveillance footage from the Walmart robbery.
Judge Cottrill sentenced West to 5 years in prison.
STRANGULATION INSIDE THE JAIL
West’s criminal conduct continued even after he was incarcerated.
In Case No. CR2026-0422, West pleaded guilty to Strangulation after attacking another inmate on June 6.
Security footage showed West punching the inmate, throwing him to the ground, grabbing him by the throat, and strangling him during an altercation that began over a cup of juice.
Judge Cottrill sentenced West to 30 months in prison.
KETAMINE POSSESSION
In Case No. CR2026-0325, West pleaded guilty to Possession of Drugs involving Ketamine.
Ketamine is an anesthetic drug often used by drug users for its hallucinogenic effects.
During a February traffic stop, officers discovered a white powdery substance in West’s possession. Laboratory testing later confirmed the substance was 0.13 grams of Ketamine.
Judge Cottrill sentenced West to 10 months in prison.
15 YEARS TOTAL
Judge Cottrill ordered the prison sentences to be served consecutively, meaning one sentence will begin after the previous sentence ends.
West will therefore serve an aggregate prison sentence of 15 years.
“This defendant was given opportunity after opportunity to follow the law and instead continued committing crimes—including while incarcerated,” said Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch. “Robbery, illegal possession of firearms, theft, drugs, and strangling another person are not minor mistakes. This is repeated criminal behavior that threatens the safety of others. For the next 15 years, the law-abiding citizens of Muskingum County will be protected from his continued criminal conduct.”
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to working with law enforcement to identify repeat offenders, hold them accountable, and protect the people of Muskingum County.
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