Muskingum County man sentenced to prison for obstructing justice, harassment with a bodily substance
Shawn R. Ridenbaugh of Adamsville was sentenced to prison recently for obstructing justice as a result of his lying to police about his girlfriend’s role in a man’s drug overdose death.
Ridenbaugh was also sentenced to prison for spitting on police.
Ridenbaugh, 45, of Adamsville, appeared in Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Mark C. Fleegle sentenced Ridenbaugh to serve a total of nine years in prison.
Ridenbaugh will serve six years in prison for felony obstruction of justice. He will serve an additional three years for felony harassment with a bodily substance.
In February, officials responded to the death of a victim who was determined to have passed away from the effects of an accidental drug overdose.
Ridenbaugh lied twice to police investigating his girlfriend, Tashia D. Stevens, for selling the drugs causing the victim’s death.
Stevens pleaded guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter and trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound. She is currently serving 10 years in prison for her crimes.
In August, Ridenbaugh pleaded guilty to the spitting charges. He pleaded guilty to the obstruction of justice charges in July.
While imprisoned in the county jail, Ridenbaugh tested positive for hepatitis C, a life-threatening viral infection spread through contact with bodily fluids.
Ridenbaugh was restrained by officers in the jail and spat saliva into an officer’s face. Ridenbaugh had blood in his mouth at the time.
Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor John Litle says Ridenbaugh’s punishment is appropriate.
“Lying to the police when they are investigating a homicide is inexcusable, and Judge Fleegle’s sentence in this case demonstrates that this type of dishonesty will not be tolerated,” Litle said.
“Ridenbaugh has a horrible record of previous crimes and received a sentencing benefit when the Department of Corrections ‘early-terminated’ his post-release control for his last felony while he was in jail for this felony,” Litle said. “Nine years was absolutely the correct sentence in this case.”
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.