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An 80-year-old Marietta man was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to gross sexual imposition of a juvenile.
Jerald Kuhn, of 523 Eighth St., Marietta, pleaded guilty Dec. 16 to one count of gross sexual imposition and one count of attempted tampering with evidence, both fourth-degree felonies.
The charges stem from an incident on May 10.
Washington County Assistant Prosecutor Alison Cauthorn said Kuhn had no documented criminal history, although "there are some disturbing incidents related in the pre-sentence investigation report regarding prior allegations of sexual abuse."
She said the defendant violated his position of trust and caused significant emotional harm to the victim and the victim's family, who had treated Kuhn like family for two years.
"On the very first occasion that the victim went to his house alone, the defendant molested him," Cauthorn explained.
She said during that experience, Kuhn groomed the victim for further sexual activity by showing him pornography, discussing sexual matters with him and by displaying his own nudity to the child and massaging him.
She said Kuhn didn't show remorse and attempted to deny the offense and deflect blame and responsibility.
The state asked for nine months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
The victim stood and quickly read a statement that Kuhn was his dearest friend and Kuhn affected him so much.
Cauthorn said the family was anxious for Kuhn to be incarcerated to demonstrate the consequences of his actions.
Defense attorney Eric Fowler said the fact Kuhn was an 80-year-old widower should be taken into account. He noted his client suffers from several health conditions, knee and hip issues, arthritis, glaucoma, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
He asked the judge to also take into consideration it was mentioned in the pre-sentence report that Kuhn suffered abuse as a child, but it was never addressed in counseling.
He recommended five years of community control and any local incarceration be served under house arrest. He also requested Kuhn undergo counseling.
Kuhn made no statement on his own behalf.
Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi said the victim suffered serious psychological harm as a result of the offense.
"The defendant's relationship with the victim facilitated the offense," he said.
He noted Kuhn showed no genuine remorse and he was bothered by a statement Kuhn made to the PSI writer of not taking responsibility.
"That does concern me," Kerenyi said.
The judge sentenced Kuhn to six months in prison on count one and six months in prison on count two to run concurrently. He must also pay a $2,500 fine. There will be a mandatory five years of post release control and Kuhn will be listed as a Tier 1 sex offender.
Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.