As most are aware, Bryan was sentenced to the maximum, 16 years for his crimes after he entered a plea of guilty. My children and I thought we'd finally be safe. However, the very next day, I arrived home to find an eviction notice on the front door of our marital home. He had fraudulently transferred the deed to OUR home to his brother, in an attempt to leave my children and me homeless and instill continuing fear. In speaking with many legal professionals, I have confirmed that there is NO legal way to evict me from a home I have interest in. This is nothing more than an abuser and his enablers continuing the abuse and retaliating for finally speaking up. Unfortunately, this still must play out in court.
I have been blessed to have a wonderful support system through this, as well as a great prosecutor who has been kind enough to reach into their network. This allowed me to find a lawyer who is willing to offer his services to ensure my children and I maintain our housing, as well as handle the divorce for a drastically reduced fee.
However, even with the significant fee reduction, I am still unable to pay. I have gone from a 2-income household to a single-income household that still has 2-income household bills. Any assistance in helping us reach our goal and finally have real freedom and safety is appreciated beyond measure.
CRIME
'He tore me apart piece by piece,' victim tells court during Bryan Catlin's sentencing
Shawn Digity
Zanesville Times Recorder
The victim described at length the three years of torment, torture, and terror that she was subjected to and how Catlin transformed her into a "hollow, broken, empty shell."
ZANESVILLE – Bryan Catlin was given a 16-year prison term, the maximum, during a sentencing hearing on Nov. 5.
Catlin, a former Muskingum County Sheriff's Office corrections officer and dog warden, pleaded guilty Oct. 24 to five counts and a gun specification, after years of sexual abuse against a female victim built up to a standoff with police in May 2025.
Catlin's felony convictions include first-degree kidnapping, fifth-degree obstructing official business, and fifth-degree improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. Two misdemeanors include using weapons while intoxicated and domestic violence, both first degree.
Catlin, 50, was noted for his extreme and misogynistic outlooks on women and his pattern of abusive behavior by the victim, who addressed the court Nov. 5, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hughes.
The victim described at length the three years of torment, torture and terror that she was subjected to and how Catlin transformed her into a "hollow, broken, empty shell."
"He tore me apart piece by piece," she said before the court. "He simply didn't care."
"Maybe we'll have a day where the memories don't flood back," the victim stated, referencing sexual abuse, oppression, humiliation and a cycle of violence that dates back to at least 2023.
The victim also shared one of Catlin's held beliefs where he viewed her as an appliance to be used until she was broken, then to be replaced.
"He isn't capable of remorse. He isn't capable of change."
Hughes, on behalf of the state, asked for at least 10 years, while Catlin's counsel, attorney Kris Hill, asked for three.
Hill highlighted Catlin's ability to take responsibility and reiterated to the court that the defendant had no prior criminal record and was not receiving any convictions for sexual violence.
"He never intended to hurt anyone that day, except himself," Hill said on Catlin's behalf.
In a letter to the court, Catlin apologizes, yet also verbally attacks the victim and places blame on her. He otherwise didn't add much else in person.
"I've spent a lot of time thinking of an appropriate sentence in this case," said Judge Gerald Anderson II.
"I help people. I don't hurt them," Anderson recited from Catlin's letter. He then asked why that didn't apply to the victim.
"I don't know," Catlin responded.
Anderson also acknowledged Catlin's mental health struggle, especially with PTSD, and mentioned multiple letters of support that had been submitted from family members and former co-workers.
In May 2025, the victim called police and informed them that Catlin was intoxicated and in a poor mental state, as he left the residence. He was later found with a loaded Glock handgun, which turned into the three-hour standoff with the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office.
He was talked down by the victim through a phone call, she explained to the court, and Catlin ultimately cooperated with authorities.
The actions that became Catlin's kidnapping conviction reportedly came earlier before the standoff from terrorizing the victim as he pinned her down onto a bed and caused bruising.
Catlin, of Zanesville, previously spent around 25 years in law enforcement.
He worked for the Muskingum County Dog and Kennel Department for nearly 20 years and was the dog warden before his transfer and hire as a corrections officer in 2021, the Times Recorder previously reported.
He was placed on paid administrative leave from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office May 24, then on unpaid administrative leave May 28.
Catlin was initially indicted on three counts of rape, all first-degree felonies. They were dropped at his sentencing after the plea bargain Oct. 24. According to his indictment document, the offenses occurred in May 2023, July 2023, and May 2025, during the time he was employed as a corrections officer at the county jail.
Catlin was previously held in the Muskingum County Jail on a $1 million bond and was given 164 days jailtime credit.
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