WAPAKONETA, Ohio (WLIO) – A Lima man will receive a new trial on sex charges involving a minor in Auglaize County.
Matthew Risch, 45, won his appeal of a 2024 conviction on charges of gross sexual imposition, disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile, and public indecency. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison following that conviction. The Third District Court of Appeals ruled that the Auglaize County Court erred when the jury was made aware of Risch's prior convictions. The court also found that Risch received ineffective assistance from counsel.
The appeals court has ordered a new trial for the alleged offenses, which reportedly took place in March 2023 and involve a girl who was under 12 years old at the time. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for September.
