The high-profile child sex abuse case against 82-year-old Ezra Wright of Lucasville has ended in a plea deal that drastically reduces his potential prison time. Originally indicted on 12 counts of first-degree rape, Wright has now pleaded guilty to one count of sexual battery, a third-degree felony.
His jury trial, set to begin November 24, was cancelled after he signed the agreement. Under the terms of the plea, prosecutors have agreed to recommend the minimum sentence of 9 months in prison, followed by five years of mandatory probation. While the charge technically carries a maximum of up to 5 years, the state is supporting the lowest possible penalty.
Court documents show that Wright was a relative of the victim and that the child was in his care at the time the offense occurred, roughly three decades ago. The age of the defendants — both now in their 80s — and the amount of time passed since the alleged crimes are likely significant factors behind the plea resolution.
Ezra Wright must also register as a Tier II child sex offender for life, requiring in-person verification every 90 days until his death.
Wife Also Pleads Guilty
Wright’s wife, 81-year-old Carolyn Wright, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for attempting to hide her husband when deputies arrived to arrest him. She initially told officers he was “out fishing,” but he was later found hiding with her inside the home.
She could face up to 9 months in prison when she is sentenced.
A Case That Sparked Outrage
Many in Scioto County are still frustrated that a case which began with 12 first-degree rape charges — each carrying the potential for a life sentence — may end with less than a year behind bars. But the 30-year gap since the incident, the advanced age of the accused, and the challenges of trying a decades-old case likely influenced the outcome.
