Mark E. Whaley Sentenced in Child Sex Crimes Case
Mark E. Whaley, 53, of East Mound Street, Circleville, was sentenced to a minimum of 15.5 years to a maximum of 21.5 years in prison following his conviction on multiple sex-related offenses involving a minor. A jury found Whaley guilty of:
- 1 count of Rape (F1) – Min. 11 years to Max. 16.5 years
- 1 count of Compelling Prostitution (F3) – 3 years
- 1 count of Gross Sexual Imposition (F4) – 18 months
(All counts to run consecutively)
The charges stemmed from a report filed by a juvenile victim who came forward to school officials in late 2024. She reported multiple assaults by Whaley, including an incident in August and another just one day prior to her report. She provided physical evidence and informed investigators that Whaley had purchased condoms at Walmart—surveillance footage confirmed this claim.
A subsequent investigation by the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation led to a search of Whaley’s home and phone. During questioning, Whaley initially attempted to shift blame to the victim but eventually admitted to having sexual contact with the minor.
The jury deliberated for three hours before returning guilty verdicts on one count each of rape, compelling prostitution, and gross sexual imposition. He was acquitted on the remaining charges.
Following the verdict, Whaley was remanded to the Pickaway County Jail and received credit for time served. He will serve his sentence in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC).
