Harrison County court accepts plea in Allman trafficking and rape case

The Harrison County Court of Common Pleas began with the case against 20-year-old Zachary Allman who was arrested in July on two counts of trafficking in persons, both felonies in the first degree, two counts of rape, felonies in the first degree, and two counts of gross sexual impostition, both felonies in the third degree. Allman was transported from the Harrison County Jail to attend court in person. 

“We’re here today for further proceedings,” Judge Shawn Hervey said. “It’s the court’s understanding the parties have an agreement.”

“It’s the state’s understanding the defendant will be pleading to a felony of the third degree, gross sexual imposition,” said Prosecutor Lauren Knight. “The state would move to dismiss the remainder of the counts.”

The plea does not include any jail time but does require Allman to complete the program at the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center, which is inpatient and takes between three and nine months to finish.

A victim impact statement from one of the victim’s mother was read on the record by Victim Advocate Sarah Devore. The statement shared that Allman had caused deep hurt to his victim that the mother cannot excuse. However, she also expressed empathy toward Allman, who was between 14 and 17 years old at the time of the crimes. She wished for peace and healing for all involved.

“We would note for the record we did have the opportunity to discuss the resolution in part, at least, with the victims,” Knight said. “This is the result.”

“There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said,” Hervey said. “You were charged with offenses that could have kept you in prison for a long, long time. The situation you were put in was not one a teenager should have been put in. It doesn’t excuse the behavior but it explains it. It doesn’t erase the hurt or harm that was done but there’s strong implications that there are more culpable individuals than you. That is why you’re being offered this resolution. Now you hold your own future in your hands. You can let this moment define you, or you can live with a commitment to never harm anyone again. That’s our hope.”

Allman was sentenced in accordance with the plea agreement. He will complete the program at EOCC, after which he will be on community based controls for two years, and he will have to register as a tier three sex offender for the rest of his life. He will also need to complete 80 hours of community service and pay court costs. He will have a reserve sentence of three years available for sanctions.

Two codefendants, 49-year-old Floyd Burge and 50-year-old Brian Satterfield, are awaiting sentencing.