Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Zanesville Rapist Sentenced to Prison
In Muskingum County Common Pleas Court, a 34-year-old man from Zanesville was sentenced to time in prison for rape.
Michael L. Crozier, 34, of Zanesville, appeared before Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark C. Fleegle for sentencing on February 5.
Crozier was sentenced to nine years in prison, after admitting his guilt to the court on December 13, 2023.
Crozier attacked a woman in Zane Landing Park on the night of May 24, 2023, restraining and then sexually assaulting her. Crozier had a prior criminal record, including arson, criminal damaging, domestic violence, and grand theft.
Muskingum County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch says putting Crozier behind bars is a victory for everyone in the local community.
“The Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office is pleased that another dangerous sexual predator has been removed from our community,” Prosecutor Welch said. “Michael Crozier has a record showing his criminal behavior has escalated with the passage of time, making him more of a danger with each passing day.”
Prosecutor Welch says the courage of the victim has made the community a safer place to live.
“Our community will now be safe from his criminal acts for nearly a decade, as a result of a victim's bravery in coming forward to report his crime,” Prosecutor Welch said. “The outcome of this case is a credit to that victim, the responding officers, the detective, the assistant prosecutor, and the courts.”
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