COSHOCTON − A jury trial is underway for a Coshocton man who is charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual battery involving an 18-year-old woman from alleged incidents on June 10, 2025.
Bradley E. Shaneyfelt, 41, was indicted Feb. 12.
On the first day of testimony July 7, the prosecution presented a recorded conversation, a police interview and DNA evidence they say links Shaneyfelt to the assault. The defense questioned the DNA testing and the victim’s account.
“I don’t know why (the victim) is saying these things, but she started down a path that day, that I believe has gotten out of control for her,” defense attorney Marie Wheeler said in opening statements to the jury.
Assistant Prosecutor Chrishana Carroll told jurors the rape charges stem from allegations of digital and penile penetration, while the sexual battery charge involves allegations that Shaneyfelt engaged in oral sex with the victim.
The state’s main evidence were recordings of a control phone call between Shaneyfelt and the victim and an interview with Shaneyfelt conducted by Det. Adam Mast of the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office.
Shaneyfelt apologized for his actions on the call but was not specific. During the interview, Shaneyfelt denied any sexual activity with the victim and said he was apologizing for having applied lotion to the victim’s back. Shaneyfelt was defensive in the interview and accused Mast of not recording the whole call and taking his statements out of context, per the recordings played in court.
Carroll said DNA evidence recovered from the victim matched Shaneyfelt. Wheeler countered, saying it was not a definitive match and the victim had no physical injuries or bruising despite the level of pain she reported.
Wheeler also questioned the victim’s testimony, saying it would have been difficult for Shaneyfelt to move her clothing aside while she was wearing tight jean shorts. She also noted that Shaneyfelt was interviewed without legal counsel, although he voluntarily consented to the interview and a DNA swab.
The trial is expected to conclude later this week.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Trial begins for Coshocton Man accused of rape and sexual battery
Reporting by Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune / Coshocton Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune | USA TODAY Network
