ASHLAND — A Loudonville man was indicted on nine counts related to sexual abuse of two children aged 13 and 15, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Robert Shane Haudenschild, 35, faces charges of endangering children, corrupting another with drugs, rape, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, sexual battery, importuning and gross sexual imposition.
Court records show he was charged by Loudonville police on Dec. 30 and indicted on Jan. 13.
If convicted of all charges, Haudenschild could spend 30 to 44 1/2 years in prison, Prosecutor Chris Tunnell said.
Tunnell said an investigation found the alleged crimes occurred over several months in “various Ohio counties, West Virginia and Kentucky.”
“The State alleges that the victims, the 15-year-old in particular, were subjected to multiple instances of abuse, over a period of time. The Defendant is further alleged to have travelled with his victims while continuing to abuse them,” Tunnell said. “The result is offenses occurring in multiple jurisdictions.
“Ohio law allows, in certain circumstances, for one jurisdiction to consolidate charges which are alleged to have occurred as part of a course of conduct.”
Tunnell said the investigation was led by Sgt. Sean Gorrell of the Loudonville Police Department. The case involved other agencies, including Loudonville Police Department, Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services, Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and Ashland Police Department.
“Every instance of child abuse is a tragedy and this situation is no exception. Ashland County citizens, however, should take heart that the coordination and teamwork between agencies is outstanding. We can’t always prevent these situations, but the men and women charged with protecting our children have, and will, put the work in to bring perpetrators to justice,” the prosecutor said.
The court appointed Benjamin Zushin, an attorney from Akron, to represent Haudenschild.
Haudenschild, who pleaded not guilty on Dec. 30, however, wrote Ashland County Court of Common Pleas Judge Ron Forsthoefel a letter on Jan. 13 requesting a lower bond. His bond was set at $200,000 on Dec. 30.
In the letter, Haudenschild said he is not a flight risk. He said he lives with his mother in Loudonville after separating from the mother of his seven children in January 2022 and works full time in maintenance and as an aide.
“I in no way shape or form will disappoint you and or my family or friends. I beg of you sir please, please lower my bond to $50,000 so I can get back to helping the ones that love me and that are trying to help me,” Haudenschild wrote.
On Wednesday, the prosecutor’s office responded by objecting to “pro se” motions — motions made by defendants — because he is already represented by an attorney. The court has not responded to Haudenschild’s request, according to court records.
Haudenschild is scheduled to appear for trial in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas on March 21.
