MARION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Marion County Prosecuting Attorney Ray Grogan secured a substantial measure of justice for the community and a brave young survivor with the sentencing of Cecil C. Moore, previously a resident of Marion City. Moore, 38, was found guilty last month on all 15 felony counts – five counts each of rape, sexual battery, and gross sexual imposition. Today, Judge Matt Frericks sentenced him to a lengthy prison term of 62.5 years.
This rigorous sentence reflects Judge Frericks’ intention to provide the victim with a sense of closure and to protect the community from future harm. In a resolute move to further ensure community safety, Judge Frericks designated Moore as a Tier III sex offender. This designation subjects Moore to the most stringent monitoring requirements, including lifetime registration every 90 days and a public safety notification and warning for anyone living within a 1,000-foot radius of his residence, if he is ever released.
Prosecutor Grogan, who had argued for a sentence that would keep Moore in prison for the rest of his life, praised the sentence, stating, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our fight against sexual violence. The severity of this sentence is a clear indication of the gravity of Cecil Moore’s crimes and the irrefutable harm he inflicted upon a fourteen-year-old girl who was abused in a way no child should ever have to endure.”
The victim, now 22, stood in court to confront Moore. In a moment that focused the attention of every person in court, she boldly asserted her Christian faith, saying that she did not hate Moore, that she forgives him, and that she prays for his salvation.
Prosecutor Grogan honored her spirit, expressing, “I’m so proud of this young woman. Her strength and grace have been a source of inspiration to all of us in my office. Her voice in court today was a powerful testament to her unyielding resolve and the resolve of this office to stand with survivors.”
Grogan added, “Each step we take against perpetrators of such vile acts is a step toward healing for the victims and for Marion County. This sentence is not just a punishment; it is a proclamation of our commitment to upholding justice and an affirmation of the trust our community places in the judicial process.”
The collaboration of Assistant Prosecutors Mark R. Weaver and John Scott Jr., along with the diligent efforts of the Marion Police Department, were crucial in navigating the complexities of this case and ensuring a just outcome. Prosecutor Grogan acknowledged their dedication, remarking, “Everyone from our office helped in this case – our investigator, administrative staff, and victim’s advocate Deana Moneysmith all played crucial roles,” Grogan continued. “And the work of Assistant Prosecutors Weaver and Scott Jr., paired with the diligent investigation by the Marion Police Department, specifically Det. Dana Jagger, Lt. Richard Wheeler, and Det. Sam Walter, under the leadership of Chief Jay McDonald, has set a commendable precedent for the rigorous pursuit of justice in our county.”
In light of the sentencing, Grogan took a moment to reflect on the broader mission of his office: “While we celebrate this victory, we also remember our ongoing responsibility to protect the innocent and vulnerable. Today’s sentence is a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead. We remain resolute in our duty to provide a safe community for everyone – particularly every child.”
The conclusive sentencing of Moore is the final step in a retrial that had been made necessary by a previous jury’s deadlock on the matter. Prosecutor Grogan’s office, undeterred by the initial outcome, persevered to see that justice was served in full measure and the jurors at the retrial voted unanimously to convict Moore.