BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In an impassioned plea for justice, Crawford County Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Hoovler addressed the court during Friday’s sentencing of 48-year-old Jeremy Long, who was recently found guilty by a jury of multiple counts of rape and gross sexual imposition. The victims were all under the age of 13 at the time of the offenses, which occurred between 2016 and 2017.
“Today, your Honor, is the time to get justice for them,” Hoovler stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He expressed pride in the victims for their courage to testify about the traumatic events in front of strangers, noting, “The scars from the horrible acts of sexual abuse will never go away.”
Hoovler revealed that the victims had familial connections with Long, being related to him as biological children or nieces, or through familial friendships. He urged the court to impose sentences for each count, some to be served consecutively, and requested a total sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 50 years.
In defense of Long, attorney Tom Nicholson asserted his client’s innocence, arguing that following Hoovler’s recommendation would effectively be a death sentence for Long. He highlighted that Long had no prior convictions other than traffic violations and had been a good citizen prior to his arrest. Nicholson also contended that some charges should be merged due to their proximity in time.
When given a chance to speak, Long expressed his love for the victims and insisted, “I don’t believe I should get a life sentence for something I didn’t do,” adding that he planned to appeal the decision.
After a brief recess, Judge Sean Leuthold returned with his ruling, making several poignant observations about the case. He emphasized the serious physical and psychological harm inflicted upon the victims, contradicting the defense’s claims that no real physical harm was done. Leuthold noted that physical exams were conducted some years after the assaults. He remarked on the significant psychological damage, highlighting that one victim had even attempted suicide as a result of the abuse.
Describing the physical nature of the assaults, Judge Leuthold stated that Long had isolated his victims and subjected them to horrific abuse. He detailed how Long would carry the victims upstairs and assault them, underscoring the pain and trauma experienced by the children. “I can’t imagine a worse thing for an innocent child who knows nothing about sex,” he lamented.
Ultimately, the judge determined that the children had been systematically abused over a prolonged period and ruled that consecutive sentences were warranted. He sentenced Long to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 35 years. If released, Long will be required to register as a Tier 3 sex offender in any county where he resides.
Following the sentencing, Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall told Crawford County Now: “The state is grateful for the sentence Judge Leuthold handed down in this case. We think it is fair and we think it is appropriate. We are also thankful to the jury for returning guilty verdict to all the counts placed before them. We are also grateful to the victims who were the real difference in this case. The jury believed them and finally, we are thankful to law enforcement who worked tirelessly on this case and made today possible for the victims.”