Norwich man confesses to sex crimes against victims
A Norwich man accused of sexually assaulting underage victims recently admitted his crimes in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court.
Christopher A. Lemon, 39, of Norwich, pleaded guilty to two counts of gross sexual imposition before Common Pleas Judge Kelly Cottrill. Lemon had initially pleaded “not guilty” in December 2023, but changed his plea right before his trial was scheduled to begin.
According to law enforcement authorities, Lemon sexually assaulted the two victims between 2018 and 2023. In April 2023, a school employee overheard one of the victims discussing being assaulted with a friend, and the employee filed an anonymous report with Muskingum County Child and Adult Protective Services.
In addition to sexually assaulting the first victim for years, Lemon began sexually assaulting the victim’s friend in April 2023.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Gerald Anderson says the bravery of the victims when coming forward deserves recognition.
“I want to thank the victims for their courage and bravery in coming forward and not letting anyone force them to stay quiet,” Anderson said. “Unfortunately, many times victims of sexual assaults do not receive support from the people whom they love and should be their greatest protectors. I want to specifically recognize the anonymous school employee that overheard the [victims] talking about being molested and reported it to Children Services, and the effort that Children Services has put into protecting both victims.”
Anderson says he hopes the victims can receive some comfort in the knowledge that their ordeal is over.
“Our community is filled with individuals that work endlessly to protect children,” Anderson said. “Hopefully, the defendant’s admission that he molested both victims and the time he will spend in prison will bring the victims some comfort.”
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