Former student sentenced after emotional testimony

by Casey Clapper
City Senior Writer

A former Ohio University student convicted of sexual charges received a four-year sentence after his emotional apology yesterday in a crowded Athens courtroom.

Andrew C. Mosher, 23, of Loudonville, will serve four consecutive years in prison with no reduction in prison sentence, said Athens County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Ward.

Mosher's charges and sentencing stem from a string of seven campus assaults that occurred May 16, 17 and 18.

Mosher entered a guilty plea to seven counts of gross sexual imposition in September. The charge was reduced from his previous charge of one count of attempted rape and six counts of gross sexual imposition.

In the courtroom, Mosher said he admits his actions were wrong and apologized to the victims, their families and his family and friends.  

"If there were ever three days I could take back, I would take back these," he said. "I wiped out 22 years of hard work, discipline and good intentions. I will do anything to right this wrong."

Terry K. Sherman, Mosher’s attorney, said he believes his client is suitable for rehabilitation and is remorseful. The defense wanted Mosher to receive probation with rehabilitation instead of prison time.

Mosher said he and his therapist think the crimes were a result of a psychological breakdown. He has been in therapy for four months and taking medication for six months.

But Athens County Prosecuting Attorney C. David Warren said he did not feel Mosher was remorseful and should receive prison time because of the severity of his crime.

"(We want) a consecutive sentence because it took place on consecutive days," he said.

After about an hour of emotional testimony from Mosher's family and victims, and deliberation between the prosecution and defense, Ward said although he thinks Mosher is remorseful, it is important to punish the offender and protect the public. 

"The acts occurred in three days, at random, and none of the victims knew (Mosher)," he said. "Students were concerned for their safety."

Warren said the prosecution and the victims are happy with the decision.

"We asked for four years and we got it," he said. "The fact remains that (Mosher) victimized seven women on the OU campus within 72 hours. Fortunately the judge agreed with us."

Mosher is required to register as a sexually oriented offender in his county after his release from prison. He will be held at Nelsonville until documents are completed and then taken to Orient Correctional Institution to serve his sentence.