HILLSBORO, Ohio — Clayton Collins, a 26-year-old man from Highland County, has been sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for the sexual abuse of two children, according to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. The sentencing comes after Collins pleaded guilty to one count of rape, a first-degree felony, and one count of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony. Yost announced the news today, emphasizing the importance of parental vigilance and the role of law enforcement in protecting children.
Yost urged parents to have open conversations with their children, closely monitor their behaviors, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He stated, “Within the filth of this crime, there is a reminder for all parents – talk to your children, watch their behaviors, and contact law enforcement if something seems off. As for this monster, Highland County is undoubtedly safer now that he is behind bars.”
Following his release from prison, Collins will be subject to five years of post-release control and will be required to register as a Tier III sex offender. This classification mandates that offenders provide the county sheriff with their home address, work address, and vehicle information. Additionally, they must verify this information every 90 days for the remainder of their lives.
Collins, who is already incarcerated for an unrelated matter, was indicted by a Highland County grand jury on February 7. An investigation conducted by the Highland County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Collins had engaged in sexual contact with a victim under the age of 10 and another victim under the age of 13.
The case was prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which aims to provide prosecutors throughout the state with the necessary resources to excel in their work. The section assigns experienced prosecutors to handle cases on behalf of local prosecutors when conflicts or the need for specialized expertise arises, particularly in child sexual abuse cases.
