Daniel Reeves gets 30-year sentence for rape, pandering obscenity
COSHOCTON — Judge Robert Batchelor asked a 53-year-old Coshocton man if he understood a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison for rape and pandering obscenity involving a minor was basically a life sentence Tuesday in Coshocton County Common Pleas Court. He said he did.
Daniel J. Reeves was indicted in July with one count of rape, a first-degree felony. The indictment stated Reeves engaged in sexual conduct from Jan. 1 to July 1, 2021, with a 14-year-old girl by force or threat of force.
A bill of information was filed in December charging Reeves with 20 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, all fourth-degree felonies. He entered guilty pleas to all charges on Jan. 6.
However, due to a scriber's error, counts five and six of the indictment were incorrectly marked as second-degree felonies. Coshocton County Prosecutor Jason Given said the state would drop those charges as it would not affect the overall aggregate term being jointly recommended by counsel.
Reeves received an indefinite term of 10 to 20 years in prison for the rape charge, 18 months each for counts one to four of the bill of information and 12 months each for counts seven to 20. The time would be served consecutively to comprise the 30 year minimum term.
If ever released from prison, he will serve mandatory five years of post release control and register as a Tier III sex offender. Reeves was granted 207 days of credit for local incarceration.
Reeves nor his attorney, Marie Seiber, said anything on his behalf in court. The mother of the victim spoke. She said the defendant destroyed her life and her daughter's life. The teen is scared, hurt and suffering from trust issues.
"I will never understand why you decided to do this. Sorry can't change things and I can't forgive you for what you have caused," the mother said. "I'm hurt, betrayed and angry and still trying to wrap my head around what you have done, even six months later."
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Batchelor agreed with the mother's comments, stating Reeves just hasn't harmed a child, but destroyed a family.
"You've created more harm than you could ever imagine," Batchelor said.
Batchelor addressed the young woman in question who was present in the courtroom, telling her what she did was brave in speaking out.
"I hope she doesn't think of herself as a victim, but considers herself a survivor. Somebody who was strong enough at the right time to do the right thing and that you will always see yourself that way, as a strong and healthy young woman," Batchelor said.
llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com
@llhayhurst
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This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Daniel Reeves sentenced to 30 years for rape, pandering obscenity
