BishopAccountability.org
	Change in Sexual Assault Story Leads to Perjury Charge By Jessie Balmert Newark Advocate October 2, 2011 http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20111001/NEWS01/110010302/Change-sexual-assault-story-leads-perjury-charge NEWARK -- A former clergyman convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage girls was charged with perjury Thursday for claiming innocence in multiple court filings. Lonny J. Aleshire Jr., 41, formerly of Hebron, was charged with three counts of perjury, each a third-degree felony, for filing three affidavits that alleged his innocence after pleading guilty to multiple sexual charges, Licking County Prosecutor Ken Oswalt said. In November 2005, former Licking County Common Pleas Court Judge Jon Spahr sentenced Aleshire to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to 10 sexual charges, including first-degree felony rape. That sentence was reimposed by Judge David Branstool during a December 2010 hearing to notify Aleshire of post- release control requirements. Since his conviction, Aleshire has filed numerous appeals and motions; in three statements under oath, Aleshire alleged his innocence and contradicted his guilty pleas, Oswalt said. Oswalt said Aleshire's motions differ from most appeals that report issues with attorneys' adequacy or judge's rulings. Aleshire has "saturated" the court with filings, much like a vexatious litigator in civil proceedings, Oswalt added. "I'm taking the only option I have to seek a penalty for his inability to tell the truth," Oswalt said. Not everyone who lies in court is charged with perjury, Oswalt said. Factors, such as foggy memories, time and education of the witness, must be considered, he added. "It's a judgment call," Oswalt said. "It's at some point the false statement is so clear and cannot be subscribed to lack of memory." With the exception of capital murder cases, Aleshire has created the most paperwork of any convict in Licking County, Oswalt said. At some point, the victims and society seek finality, Oswalt said. It's a sentiment the girls' mother expressed at Aleshire's December 2010 hearing. "We don't want to be victims anymore," she said. Contact: jbalmert@newarkadvocate.com
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.