33-year-old Jeffrey D. Ellis of Coshocton County has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty 31 charges of rape for crimes involving four juvenile victims.

COSHOCTON - (Tusco TV) - A 34-year-old Plainfield Township man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to 31 counts of rape for crimes involving four different children as young as 9 years old. 

Coshocton County Common Pleas Court Judge Robert Batchelor handed down the sentence Monday against Jeffrey D. Ellis immediately after Ellis entered guilty pleas to all 31 rape counts and 10 counts of using of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance. Prosecutor Jason Given says this is the outcome they strive for in these types of cases because it not only takes the perpetrators out of society but it also prevents further trauma to their victims.

"The other goal that we go into these type of cases with is to avoid at all costs bringing these young children into a courtroom and have them testify about these very sensitive and traumatic issues in front of a room full of strangers," he says. "We believe that doing that only traumatizes the children even more." 

Ellis remains held at the Coshocton County Jail pending his transfer to the Ohio Corrections Reception Center where staff will determine where he will serve out his sentence. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.  

TUSCO TV