CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The trial begins for a man in Ross County accused of breaking into a residence and sexually assaulting a woman.
Matthew Scott Shoemaker was indicted on December 1, 2023, charged with rape and burglary.
The case stems from October 27, 2023, when deputies responded to an apartment on Sulphur Spring Road in Ross County. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim who claimed that Shoemaker had broken into her house and sexually assaulted her.
According to the report provided by law enforcement, the victim was able to run for help as Shoemaker was allegedly putting on his pants following the assault. While deputies were on the scene, the victim’s husband arrived. The man told law enforcement that he received a call from the victim during the attack. The man told deputies he could hear his spouse reportedly saying, “Don’t hurt me,” followed by screaming.
Witnesses told detectives that they first saw a man, allegedly Shoemaker, attempting to get into a bedroom window of the apartment.
If convicted, Shoemaker could spend the next two decades behind bars.