Muskingum County child rapist sentenced to 70 years in prison
Raymond West Sr., 58, of Zanesville appeared before Judge Kelly Cottrill in the Muskingum Court of Common Pleas recently to learn his fate after having been found guilty after a three-day trial earlier this year.
A Muskingum County jury found West guilty on all charges filed against him in the two separate indictments.
In Case Number CR2025-0493 West was found guilty of the following charges: three counts of gross sexual imposition, three counts of attempted rape, rape, and kidnapping with a sexual motivation.
In Case Number 2025-0062 West was found guilty of the following charges: two counts of attempted rape, two counts of kidnapping with a sexual motivation, four counts of gross sexual imposition, five counts of rape, two counts of endangering children and intimidation of a victim or witness.
Assistant Prosecutor Michael Hughes requested a sentence of 98 years. Judge Cottrill sentenced West to a total of 70 years of mandatory time during a May 27 hearing. West is not eligible to be released until 2095, when he will be 126 years old.
At the time of sentencing, West showed no remorse and refused to accept responsibility for the crimes he committed, going so far as to refuse the signing of the Tier III sex offfender paperwork which requires him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. He is also required to register as a violent offender.
One forensic interview detailed that the defendant allegedly admitted that he “should return to church since the devil had got to him” and after, in the same week, raped one of the victims.
West allegedly intimidated several of the witnesses and a victim by providing directions on how to answer questions about the sexual abuse and what to say when asked about the allegations.
“The prosecutors in this office and our local law enforcement work hard to achieve the best outcomes possible in these types of cases,” said Prosecutor Ron Welch. “The 70-plus year sentence in this case means this child predator will never victimize another child. People everywhere can rest easy knowing that Raymond West will not take a breath of air outside of a prison ever again.”
Each and every case involving physical or sexual abuse should be reported as soon as it is discovered. A safe person such as a school counselor, medical professional or law enforcement official can facilitate that process and protect the child from further harm.
If you or anyone you know has been subjected to such abuse, please report it.