FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OH — April 17, 2025
A Fairfield County man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following his conviction on multiple counts of gross sexual imposition involving a juvenile under the age of 13, according to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Alex Lape announced that Kurt M. Karns, 23, was arrested on April 12, 2025, after an in-depth investigation by sheriff’s deputies uncovered evidence of inappropriate sexual contact with a child. Karns was charged with three counts of Gross Sexual Imposition, all third-degree felonies, under Ohio Revised Code 2907.05(A)(4).
The case was prosecuted by the Fairfield County Prosecutor’s Office, and on April 14, Karns pleaded guilty to all charges. Judge David Trimmer, presiding in the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas, sentenced Karns to 16 years in prison. Karns was also classified as a Tier II Sex Offender, requiring him to register every 180 days for the next 25 years.
“This sentencing reflects our office’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse,” said Sheriff Lape. “We will continue working with our community partners to ensure the safety and protection of our most vulnerable citizens.”
The sheriff’s office commended the work of its investigators and the Prosecutor’s Office in securing the conviction, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration in protecting children from abuse.
