BUCYRUS—A jury deliberated approximately two and a half hours before returning guilty verdicts against Joshua Benedict.
Benedict, 40, was found guilty of two counts of rape of a child under the age of 14, one count of gross sexual imposition, and more than 80 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. The victim was nine years old at the time of the assault.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler guided the jury through a myriad of evidence that included testimony from the victim.
Adam Stone contended the investigation was focused on his client and not the crime.
Visiting Judge Howard Hall thanked the jury for their service on behalf of the citizens of Crawford County.
Even though Benedict faces mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole, Judge Hall requested a condensed version of a pre-sentence investigation. Judge Hall told attorneys he wanted to know about Benedict’s past and if he had any criminal history.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2021, in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court Court at 9:30 am.
Click the link below for Crawford County Now’s exclusive interview with Prosecutor Matt Crall and Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler.
