Defiance man sentenced to long prison term in child sexual abuse case

A Defiance man was given a long prison term Monday in Defiance County Common Pleas Court on charges alleging that he engaged in sexual contact with a child.

Judge Joseph Schmenk sentenced Michael Groh, 5105 Havenwood Drive, to consecutive 24-month terms on 10 counts of gross sexual imposition, each a third-degree felony, for 20 years total.

The maximum sentence for each charge is five years imprisonment. He also was classified as a tier II sexual offender and given credit for time served in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio while his case was pending.

Groh had been convicted of the charges on April 30 following a two-day jury trial in common pleas court.

The defendant had been indicted on the 10 charges by a county grand jury in June 2023.

They alleged that between October 2014 and September 2015 he engaged in sexual contact with a female, who was 10 years old at the time. According to Defiance County Prosecutor Morris Murray, who handled the state’s case, the allegations against Groh surfaced in early 2023.

Both the defendant and the victim testified during the trial.

And during Monday’s hearing she read a prepared statement, noting the anxiety and depression she has suffered from the crime. She added that she has “fought back” at the trial and continues to do so, crediting God for getting her through and pledging forgiveness to Groh who he hopes can finally admit what he did.

Defiance County Prosecutor Morris said “these cases are extremely difficult and emotional for all concerned,” and noted the “traumatic impact” upon the victim and her family.

Groh’s attorney, Cam Stanley of Defiance, asked that the court impose the minimal sentence allowed.

Just before pronouncing sentence Schmenk made mention of Groh’s lengthy criminal record which includes such crimes as breaking and entering, domestic violence, disorderly conduct, aggravated trafficking in drugs, passing bad checks and obstructing official business.

And addressing Groh, he said he has refused to take responsibility for the crimes with which he is charged. Furthermore, Schmenk said he witnessed the trial testimony and found the victim’s testimony “completely credible” while Groh’s was not.

“... you refuse to accept any responsibility for your conduct,” said Schmenk, who credited the victim for “tremendous courage and called Groh a “substantial danger to the public.”

Groh declined to make a statement when asked to do so during Monday’s hearing.