Using a walker, 82-year-old Garry Giles, of West Mansfield, entered the courtroom Friday afternoon, in Union Couty.
Judge Don Fraser then imposed the full sentence sought by Prosecuting Attorney David Phillips—25 years in prison.
Giles pleaded guilty to five counts of gross sexual imposition, charges stemming from an investigation led by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, that revealed that Giles repeatedly molested two young family members.
Despite his warnings for them “not to tell,” one of the victims confided in their mother, disclosing that Giles had touched their private areas.
The mother immediately contacted law enforcement.
The young victims, ages 5 to 8, were taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for forensic interviews and medical examinations, where they provided detailed accounts of the abuse.
Investigators learned that Giles also showed the girls pornography.
They also discovered additional victims dating back 45 years, who reported being sexually assaulted in nearly identical fashion.
When confronted, Giles initially admitted to inappropriate touching.
He claimed the abuse was accidental, telling the judge at sentencing he “didn’t really think it was as bad as it’s made out to be.”
During the hearing, the victim’s mother spoke about the impact of Giles’ abuse on her daughters.
Two of his prior victims—assaulted decades ago—also addressed the court, sharing their own experiences.
One of the women asked Giles for an apology, but he refused to acknowledge his wrongdoing.
Instead, he claimed the abuse was nothing more than an accident while bathing the victim as a child.
In addition to his lengthy prison term, Giles will be required to register as a Tier II sex offender upon his release.
