On December 5, 2022, Judge Kelly A. Riddle held a sentencing hearing at which time, Noble County Prosecutor Jordan Croucher argued in favor of the maximum possible sentence of 19-24 ½ years, based in part on the severity of the injuries and Mr. Fox’s lack of remorse. Following arguments, Mr. Fox was sentenced to an indefinite prison term of 15-20 years. Mr. Fox was also ordered to pay court costs and is required to register as an arson offender for the rest of his life.
Case summary;
On July 8, 2022, at approximately 4:50 p.m., the Noble County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call from a residence on Outpost Road requesting an ambulance due to a toddler receiving burns. United Ambulance Service and Belle Valley First Responders were dispatched to the residence. The child was transported to Marietta Memorial Hospital due to the severity of the burn injuries.
After being examined in the Emergency Department, personnel from the hospital notified the Sheriff’s Office that it was suspected that the injuries were a result of child abuse. Noble County Children’s Services, along with a Deputy from the Noble County Sheriff’s Office responded to Marietta Memorial Hospital. Sheriff’s Detectives were then notified and took over the investigation with the continued assistance of Noble County Children’s Services. The child was transferred to the Akron Children's Hospital Burn Unit and admitted for treatment of the burn injuries.
As a result of the initial investigation, Michael Keith Fox, age 23, was arrested and charged with Felonious Assault, a felony of the second degree. He was held without bond.
On August 8, 2022, the case was presented to the Noble County Grand Jury by Noble County Prosecutor Jordan Croucher. As a result, a True Bill was returned against Mr. Fox, charging him with one count of Felonious Assault, a felony of the second degree, one count of Kidnapping, a felony of the first degree, and one count of Aggravated Arson a felony of the first degree.
The case proceeded to jury trial, beginning November 2, 2022. On November 4, 2022, the Jurors, who diligently served the community, returned verdicts of guilty for Felonious Assault and Aggravated Arson, finding that Mr. Fox was responsible for the burns to the baby’s chest wall, abdomen, leg, and genital area.
Original source can be found here
Alerts Sign-up