ZANESVILLE, OHIO (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Benjamin Mercer, 29, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexual assault after a jury found him guilty of attempted rape and gross sexual imposition against a child under 13.
On October 20, 2025, Mercer appeared in the Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas before Judge Gerald Anderson for sentencing.
During the hearing, Judge Anderson acknowledged the numerous letters he had received in support of Mercer, which portrayed him as having a strong moral compass.
However, he contrasted this with the poignant letter from the victim and a recent incident involving an assault at the jail, which painted a starkly different narrative.
In a powerful moment, the young victim addressed the court, bravely reading an impact statement that detailed the enduring effects of the assault on their life and family.
This emotional testimony contributed significantly to the proceedings, as the court considered both the defense and prosecution’s arguments.
Judge Anderson ultimately concluded that the nature of the offenses warranted a substantial prison sentence.
He ordered Mercer to serve a minimum of 16 years behind bars.
Following his release, Mercer will be required to register as a tier 3 sex offender, necessitating quarterly registration with the sheriff’s office for the rest of his life.
Additionally, he will be subject to five years of post-release control, or parole.
Prosecutor Ron Welch remarked on the challenges associated with securing convictions in sexual assault cases, emphasizing the courage of the victim in pursuing justice. “Getting a conviction in a sexual assault case is very difficult,” Welch stated. “The victim’s bravery and determination provided our team with the necessary tools to see justice done in this case.”