WARNING CONTENT
BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) —A Richland County man, who was previously a resident of Crawford County, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday for arraignment on a nine-count indictment.
Jeremy Long, who appeared via video from the Crawford County Jail, faces charges including seven counts of rape, with the youngest victim being less than five years old.
Long could potentially face life in prison without the possibility of parole on five of the rape counts. He faces 11 years in prison on two of the counts and five years in prison on each of the two counts of gross sexual imposition.
Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold entered a not-guilty plea on all charges on Long’s behalf. He appointed attorney Tom Nicholson to represent him.
Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler informed the court that Long’s alleged victims were children with whom he had associations as a babysitter, neighbor, or friend.
The disturbing allegations suggest that Long would engage in wrestling with the victims and put them in sexual positions or holds, becoming sexually aroused in the process.
Hoovler stated that the victims were subjected to penetration and/or oral sex during the rapes.
Given the heinous nature of the crimes, Hoovler requested a cash bond of $750,000.
Judge Leuthold, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges said: “I can’t think of any more serious crime than child rape.”
Leuthold set Long’s bond at $1,000,000 cash or surety.
The case will be closely monitored by Crawford County Now as it continues to unfold.