Michel Brian Nelson (65), formerly of Richwood, Ohio, was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences, including five terms without the possibility of parole and two terms of 25 years to life, for repeatedly raping three young family members. Nelson began sexually abusing his victims as young as four years old.
The investigation began in Delaware County after one victim reported the abuse. A combined investigation by the Delaware Police Department and the Richwood Police Department showed that many sexual assaults had taken place in Union County. The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office forwarded the case to our office, and the Union County Grand Jury indicted Nelson on April 4, 2025. He was detained and placed on a $250,000 cash bond.
Nelson first pled not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. Following a court-ordered mental evaluation, he withdrew his pleas and pleaded guilty to seven charges of rape.
This punishment guarantees that he will never again walk free or hurt another kid. The message is clear: Union County will safeguard children, pursue predators, and work diligently to hold offenders accountable for the most heinous crimes.
This conclusion was made possible by the diligent efforts of law enforcement, victim advocates, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Child Assessment Center, and our office—all working together to protect the vulnerable and ensure their voices were heard.
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