Rape charge reduced in plea deal in Harrison County case

A case filed in early December 2024 has been resolved with a plea agreement.

Charles E. Sproul Jr., originally charged with rape, a first-degree felony, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of aggravated assault, a fourth-degree felony. The agreement was reached a day before his scheduled Jan. 28 trial, and a plea hearing was held in place of the trial.

Defense attorney Steven A. Stickles said the plea avoided the possibility of a prison term of three to 11 years if Sproul had gone to trial and been convicted on the original charge.

Judge T. Shawn Hervey said the defense requested three evaluations.

“The defense counsel is going to request three evaluations,” Hervey said. “Those include an Ohio Risk Assessment, a presentence investigation and an evaluation for Eastern Ohio Correctional Center.”

Harrison County Prosecutor Lauren Knight said her office met with the victim the day before the hearing, which led to discontinuing the trial. Knight said her office had also been in contact with Stickles.

Stickles said there were mitigating circumstances that could have been raised at trial, including that the victim was not a stranger but Sproul’s live-in girlfriend.

Hervey said the victim was not present in court but submitted a victim impact statement that was not read in the courtroom.

As he addressed Sproul, Hervey outlined the possible sentence.

“He may receive up to 18 months at EOCC and up to a $5,000 fine, or he could possibly receive probation with conditions,” Hervey said.

Hervey also explained post-release control.

“Because this is not a mandatory prison sentence, you could be placed on community-based control supervision before a prison sentence, and that could be up to five years,” Hervey said.

Sproul did not speak during the hearing other than acknowledging he understood the rights he was waiving by entering a guilty plea. He remains free on bond.