Sex crime conviction nets 15 years to life

CHILLICOTHE –

A Chillicothe man was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison Tuesday stemming from sex crimes he admitted to that involved two juvenile victims.

Ronald Dale Hamilton broke down in tears and apologized for his actions to Ross County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Ater during his Tuesday appearance for sentencing. Ross County Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Marks said the two victims, who were younger than 13, had informed family members about what had happened to them. No further details were available regarding when the incidents took place or what, specifically, was involved in the encounters.

The indictment against Hamilton was handed down Feb. 6, and he changed his plea to guilty during a hearing earlier this month.

The Barnhart Drive resident, who had been charged with seven counts of gross sexual imposition, received a five-year prison sentence on each count that will run concurrent to one another. Hamilton also received 10 years to life on two additional counts of rape involving the second victim.

Hamilton won't be eligible for possible parole for 15 years, according to Marks, who said he will be required to register with authorities as a Tier III sex offender every 90 days for the rest of his life if he is released from prison.