Local man who admitted raping 3-year-old girl sentenced to 20 years to life in prison

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) – The Belmont County man who admitted to sex crimes against a 3-year-old girl has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

Gregory Holcomb, 30, of Shadyside, was charged last April with rape of a child, sexual assault, sexual battery and child pornography.

Earlier this month, Holcomb pleaded guilty to first-degree rape and two counts of distribution of sexually oriented material involving a minor.

I feel remorse and sorry for what I did.

Gregory Holcomb, defendant

The rape of a three-year-old child, the taking of images during and before this act and the subsequent electronic publication of these and other images.

Judge John Vavra, Belmont County Common Pleas Court

We had argued for the sentence to be life with parole after 20 years, and that is exactly what Judge Vavra did after hearing all the evidence we presented. The defense in this case asked for a lesser sentence, but I think we were able to establish at the sentencing hearing that 20 years to life was the appropriate sentence.

Kevin Flanagan, Belmont County District Attorney

The lead investigator in the case said Holcomb admitted he had been sexually attracted to the baby since its birth.

He testified that her panties were hidden in Holcomb’s clothing when he was taken to prison. He admitted to using them for sexual gratification.

Federal and state authorities have been working on this case.

It came to light through a cyber tip.