Dover man to serve 15 years to life in prison for child rape
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A 27-year-old Dover man will serve 15 years to life in prison for raping a 6-year-old.
Brandon Lynch pleaded guilty to one count of rape while four other felony counts were dismissed, according to a March 14 sentencing order from Tuscarawas Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth Thomakos.
The grand jury indicted Lynch in October. The initial five counts were two counts of rape, first-degree felonies; two counts of gross sexual imposition, third-degree felonies; and illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, a second-degree felony.
The indictment indicated the crimes took place in August of 2024 when the victim was 6.
Lynch initially pleaded not guilty. He changed his plea to guilty on the amended charges on March 14, two and a half weeks before a scheduled jury trial. He will designated as a Tier III Sex Offender, the most severe designation.