COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Special Prosecutions Section of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office has successfully secured justice in two high-profile sexual assault cases this week, underscoring the critical role of specialized legal expertise provided to local law enforcement agencies across Ohio.
The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section is renowned for offering essential resources and expert support to prosecutors statewide, ensuring that complex and sensitive criminal cases are handled with the utmost proficiency. This specialized team steps in when local prosecutors face conflicts of interest or require additional expertise.
Hocking County Case:
In Hocking County, Irene Marie Day of Logan has pleaded guilty to charges involving severe sexual offenses. On Thursday, Day admitted to two counts of rape, both classified as first-degree felonies, and two counts of gross sexual imposition, third-degree felonies. She is scheduled for sentencing on September 1, where she could face up to 37½ years in prison. The case was investigated by the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office. Day’s co-defendant, Paul Sebring, is also facing charges of rape and gross sexual imposition, with his prosecution still ongoing.
Morrow County Case:
In Morrow County, Lawrence Fidler of LaRue was found guilty following a weeklong jury trial. Fidler was convicted of kidnapping and rape, both first-degree felonies, along with gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony, and sexual battery, a second-degree felony. He is set to be sentenced on October 3 and faces a prison term ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life. The case was investigated by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office.
These cases highlight the dedicated efforts of the Special Prosecutions Section in delivering justice and supporting local law enforcement agencies in addressing the most serious criminal offenses.
