In a case that highlights the abhorrent reality of child endangerment, Alberta Grant of Zanesville received the maximum sentence of 9 years in prison after a guilty plea on multiple charges, including child endangering and obstructing justice. According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office, Grant was found to have knowingly housed a convicted child rapist and obstructed the investigation into his activities.
The genesis of the case was a tip provided by the Licking County Adult Parole Authority to Det. Sgt. Brady Hittle of the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office, who discovered the sex offender was not only living unregistered in Muskingum County but was also in communication with Grant. Further investigation uncovered disturbing exchanges where the offender proposed financial support for housing expenses in return for access to a child. Despite her refusal, citing her husband's potential discovery of the plan, Grant continued to provide the sex offender with a home and access to the children
During her sentencing hearing before Judge Gerald Anderson, both Grant's attorney and Assistant Prosecutor John Litle presented their arguments, leading to the heavy sentencing. As stated by the Muskingum County Prosecutor's Office official press release, Grant faced a third-degree felony charge for the act of child endangering, which resulted in "serious physical harm," alongside her obstruction of justice felony charges.
In a display of deceit, Grant lied to Det. Hittle, in an attempt to shield the sex offender, concealing his registration violation and denying the receipt of letters and gifts intended for the child. The gravity of these actions is reflected in the felony obstruction charges, highlighting the severity of crimes faced by the sex offender. Additional details are withheld pending the trial of other suspects connected to this case.
