Willoughby Sex Offense Case Leads To 10-Year Prison Sentence

A Willoughby sex offense case involving a 12-year-old boy has resulted in a 10-year prison sentence for a Mentor man, following an investigation by Willoughby Police Detectives and subsequent prosecution in Lake County Court of Common Pleas.

According to a November 19, 2025 release from the Willoughby Police Department, the case began on July 13, 2025, when a woman entered the lobby of the Willoughby Police Department to report that her 12-year-old son had been inappropriately touched by an adult two days earlier, on July 11.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

Willoughby Police Detectives immediately opened an investigation into the reported sex offense. On July 14, 2025, a 22-year-old Mentor resident was arrested by the Willoughby Police Department and charged with Gross Sexual Imposition under Ohio Revised Code 2907.05, a third-degree felony.

At the time of his arrest, officers seized his cellphone and obtained a search warrant for forensic analysis.

Additional Felony Charges After Cellphone Search

During the examination of the cellphone, investigators located several prohibited images of juveniles, according to police. That discovery led to additional felony charges, including:

• Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor (ORC 2907.322) – third-degree felony
• Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material (ORC 2907.323) – fourth-degree felony

Guilty Pleas in Lake County Court

On September 12, 2025, in Lake County Court of Common Pleas, the defendant pleaded guilty to Gross Sexual Imposition. On November 13, 2025, he entered guilty pleas to the additional counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor and Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material.

Later that same day, November 13, 2025, he appeared for sentencing before Judge Patrick J. Condon.

Ten Years in Prison, Post-Release Control

Judge Condon sentenced him to 10 years in prison, along with a mandatory five-year period of post-release control, according to the Willoughby Police Department.

Police Emphasize Protection of Vulnerable Residents

In the release, the Willoughby Police Department stated it “remains committed to protecting the community, especially its most vulnerable members,” and expressed appreciation to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for its work on the case.

The release was issued by Detective Lieutenant and Public Information Officer Michael Sevel of the Willoughby Police Department.