Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Sexual assault on minor results in 22 year sentence for Bailey Street man
On February 26, 2025, Bertram C. Aldred Jr., 50, of 335 Bailey Street, Zanesville, Ohio, was sentenced to 22 to 26 years in prison following his conviction for gross sexual imposition against a minor child. Aldred has also been designated a lifetime Tier III sexual offender registrant, requiring him to register his address every 90 days for the rest of his life. The sentencing concludes a disturbing case investigated by Zanesville Police Detective Brian Swingle.
The case began on December 16, 2024, after a friend of the victim alerted a teacher to the situation. The teacher followed his or her moral and legal obligation to report the matter to law enforcement, prompting Patrolman Shelton to respond and initiate an investigation. The victim disclosed that Aldred had engaged in sexual acts with the child at his residence.
According to the investigation, Aldred lured the victim to a party at his home. That night, Aldred committed the sexual assault against his victim. The acts were later detailed in a forensic interview and corroborated by evidence from Aldred’s own statements.
Detectives Swingle and Chris Andrews interviewed Aldred on December 26, 2024, during an audio-recorded session. Aldred admitted committing various different crimes against the victim. He confirmed exchanging sexual messages with the child, including transmitting nude images and video. Aldred acknowledged the wrongness of his actions, stating, “My little head overpowered my big head,” before his arrest for gross sexual imposition.
A search warrant executed on December 26 at 335 Bailey Street uncovered Aldred’s cellphone and other evidence consistent with his description, further supporting the victim’s account. Messages extracted from the victim’s phone, corroborated the confession.
Aldred, with prior convictions including domestic violence, assault, resisting arrest, OVI, and littering, was held at Zanesville City Jail following his arrest. Today’s sentencing reflects the severity of his crimes, with the 22-to-26-year term accounting for multiple counts of gross sexual imposition. As a Tier III offender—the highest classification under Ohio law—he faces lifelong monitoring upon release.
“We commend the victim’s friend and school staff for their quick actions, which brought this crime to light, and the victim’s bravery in pursuing the criminal prosecution,” according to Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch. Our priority remains protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice is served.”
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