Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Zanesville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Rape of a Child
Herman Hawk has been sentenced to life in prison after raping a child. Hawk admitted to the crime in court before Judge Kelly Cottrill in Muskingum County. Hawk’s guilty plea meant the victim and her family did not have to go through a trial, which would have been very difficult for them.
The crime happened in the spring of 2023 at a home in Zanesville. The investigation started in June of 2024, when Officer Adam Porter from the Zanesville Police Department responded to a report of sexual assault. The victim’s family told the police that Hawk had assaulted a child while he was living in their home. The child disclosed additional details to her family and then to specialists at Brave Beginnings, a center where children can safely talk about sexual and physical abuse. She explained that Hawk had touched her inappropriately and penetrated her vagina with his finger.
Detective Bryan Ruff investigated the case and discovered additional evidence. Det. Ruff learned that Hawk had also hit the child with a wooden spoon and threatened her to keep quiet. Other witnesses also said they saw Hawk touching the child in a way that made them uncomfortable.
“We admire the bravery of the victim for coming forward and the strength of her family in seeking justice. Without them, Hawk would still be free to hurt other children,” said Prosecutor Ron Welch.
Welch explained that these cases are difficult for child victims and their families. “Victims often find it painful to talk about what happened a courtroom full of strangers. jurors sometimes struggle to believe a child over an adult. These challenges make cases like this challenging for all involved,” he said.
The family of the victim was pleased with the outcome of the case, the hard work of the prosecutor’s office, and that the victim was spared from having to go through a trial.
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, the Zanesville Police Department, and Brave Beginnings continue to support victims and encourage anyone with information about abuse to come forward.
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