Columbus man sentenced in Athens County rape case

On June 13, Marcus Jaylyn Kegg, 27, of Columbus, appeared before Judge Patrick J. Lang for sentencing after being found guilty June 1, by an Athens County jury, of rape, a felony of the first degree.

The conviction is the result of a sexual assault that occurred on Stewart Street in Athens in November of 2017 but was not reported to law enforcement until the spring of 2021.

During the investigation, Kegg allegedly reported to the victim’s roommate that he did not remember being at the victim’s residence and that he did not have sex with the victim. His version of events changed drastically during his testimony at trial. Kegg claimed the sexual encounter was consensual, and when questioned by the State, admitted that he lied, over and over, after the incident.

The victim was given the opportunity to address the Court. At the end of her statement she stated, “I live with the fact that Marcus Kegg has no respect for me, but I am so grateful that 12 jurors that day did and heard my story.”

The State of Ohio asked for the Court to impose the maximum prison sentence allowed, which would be 11 years. Kegg’s attorney addressed the Court and requested that he be sentenced to the minimum sentence – three years. Kegg chose not to make a statement.

After hearing from all parties, the Court sentenced Kegg to a mandatory prison term of eight years.

Upon release from incarceration, Kegg will be required to register as a Tier III sex offender, which will require in-person registration every 90 days for life.

This case was investigated by the Athens Police Department.