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Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Zanesville Woman Imprisoned for Firearm Theft, Domestic Violence

A Zanesville woman charged with domestic violence and theft of a firearm was sentenced to time in prison.

Kerris R. Sowers, age 21, of Zanesville, of Zanesville appeared before Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark C. Fleegle on July 1 for sentencing.

Sowers had pleaded guilty on June 24 to charges of felony attempted kidnapping, felony grand theft when the property is a firearm or dangerous ordnance, felony tampering with evidence, and misdemeanor domestic violence.

Judge Fleegle sentenced Sowers to eight years in prison and ordered her to pay $1,076.95 in restitution.

Sowers has a history of criminal behavior. In 2021, Sowers was convicted of burglary for the violent conduct of breaking into a young woman’s house and then assaulting her.

At sentencing, Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor John Connor Dever said that Sowers had already received leniency because of her youth, during her 2021 burglary conviction.

On April 9, 2024, Sowers called 911 to report violence by her boyfriend. However, further investigation revealed that her boyfriend was the victim.

Law enforcement responded to the call and interviewed the boyfriend. Earlier that day, Sowers and her boyfriend had an argument that escalated. He told law enforcement that Sowers wanted to go out, but he did not, sparking the argument.

Sowers began packing her belongings to move out and became agitated because the victim was walking back and forth.

Sowers began yelling at the victim and threatened to destroy or damage his belongings. She then began throwing his clothes out of a window and then started to swing a hunting knife around in the air.

Sowers first threatened to stab the victim and then grabbed him and successfully scratched him with the hunting knife. She then began to stomp on the victim’s television and gaming system.

Sowers went outside and stabbed all four tires of the victim’s car, telling him m that’s what he gets for “messing with a crazy bitch.”

Once law enforcement arrived, Sowers was allowed to gather her belongings and go to her residence.

The victim reported to authorities on the scene that Sowers had also stolen his firearm.

Law enforcement officers then visited Sowers, who denied taking the gun. However, before Sowers met officers in the parking area, they heard something being thrown and landing in the wooded area next to Sowers’ apartment.

Officers searched the wooded area and found the victim’s missing firearm about 10 yards outside of Sowers’ apartment.

After Sowers’ arrest, she assaulted a correctional officer and a law enforcement officer while being processed at the jail.

Muskingum County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch says Sowers has demonstrated a history of violent behavior.

“This defendant has shown, repeatedly, that she is violent and a danger to anyone around her,” Prosecutor Welch said. “This sentence guarantees that she will not be able to victimize another person in our community for a long time.”

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