UNION COUNTY – An 82-year-old West Mansfield man was sentenced recently in Union County Common Pleas Court to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing two young family members.
Garry L. Giles entered the Union County courtroom using a walker. Judge Don Fraser imposed the maximum penalty sought by Union County Prosecuting Attorney David Phillips, sentencing Giles to five years for each of five counts of gross sexual imposition, all third-degree felonies.
The charges stemmed from an investigation led by Union County Sheriff’s Detective Seth McDowell, who determined that Giles repeatedly molested the victims, aged 5 to 8. Despite Giles’ warnings for them “not to tell,” one of the children disclosed the abuse to their mother. She immediately contacted law enforcement.
Forensic interviews and medical exams at Nationwide Children’s Hospital revealed that Giles had repeatedly touched the girls inappropriately and exposed them to pornography — a grooming tactic used to desensitize victims.
As the investigation unfolded, additional victims dating back 45 years came forward, reporting nearly identical abuse.
When confronted by investigators, Giles casually admitted to inappropriate touching with a dismissive. He continued to deflect blame, claiming the abuse was accidental and minimizing his actions.
At sentencing, Giles showed no remorse, telling the court he “didn’t really think it was as bad as it’s made out to be.”
The victims’ mother spoke about the lasting trauma her daughters have endured. Two prior victims — abused by Giles decades ago — also addressed the court, sharing their experiences.
One woman asked Giles for an apology, but he refused, instead claiming the abuse was accidental during a bath — a blatant misrepresentation of his predatory behavior.
In addition to his prison sentence, Giles will be required to register as a Tier II sex offender upon his release.