A defendant, who pled guilty to rape Tuesday, June 23, 2025, could spend up to 26.5 years in prison after he was sentenced during an appearance before Logan County Common Pleas Judge Kevin P. Braig.
James Ebright, 43, of Bellefontaine, entered guilty pleas to one count of rape, a first-degree felony, and two counts of gross sexual imposition involving a victim under 13, third-degree felonies.
The court heard statements from the victim’s mother, arguments from the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office, the defendant’s counsel, Griff Nowicki, and a statement from the defendant.
After reviewing the pre-sentence investigation report and weighing aggravating and mitigating factors, Judge Braig sentenced Ebright to the maximum prison term of 11-16.5 years in prison for rape and five years for each GSI charge.
The sentences will be served consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 21-26.5 years in prison.
Ebright was adjudged to be a Tier Ill registered sex offender with a lifetime duty to register upon his release from prison.
Assistant Prosecutor Erin Rosen explained the plea agreement spared the victim, who was under 10 years of age the time of the offense, from testifying in court potentially preventing further trauma. As part of the agreement, one count of rape and four counts of GSI against Ebright were dismissed.
