Long-Running Sexual Battery Case Spanning More Than Seven Years Includes Delays, Attorney Contempt Proceedings, and New Arrest

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A Waverly man is back behind bars after a years-old sexual battery case was revived in Ross County Common Pleas Court and a warrant was issued to secure his appearance before the court.

Matthew Howard Hallmon, 42, was booked into the Ross County Jail on June 22 on a charge of Sexual Battery, a third-degree felony. Jail records show Hallmon remains in custody and was arrested on a warrant connected to the pending case.

Court records show Hallmon was originally indicted in January 2019. A warrant was issued at that time, but was not served until January 2021, when the case formally entered the court system. The matter then proceeded through numerous hearings, discovery exchanges, witness subpoenas, and trial preparations over the following years.

Records indicate the case became dormant after a July 2022 court disposition noting an “Unavailable Party for Hearing or Trial.” No conviction, acquittal, or dismissal is listed in the court record.

The case was later reopened in August 2025, with prosecutors and defense attorneys resuming discovery, filing witness lists, and preparing for trial. Court filings from late 2025 through June 2026 show continued activity, including multiple subpoenas issued to law enforcement officers and civilian witnesses.

The lengthy court proceedings also included an unusual dispute involving Hallmon’s former attorney. In November 2025, Common Pleas Judge Matthew Schmidt issued a show cause order directing attorney Jeffrey Blosser to appear before the court and explain why he should not be held in contempt after failing to appear for a scheduled status conference. Court records indicate the judge noted it was the second time Blosser had failed to appear in the matter without explanation. A finding of contempt was later entered by the court on Dec. 3, 2025.

One June 2026 court entry references an earlier ruling that Ohio’s rape shield law applies in the case. The law generally restricts the introduction of certain evidence concerning an alleged victim’s prior sexual conduct.

In May 2026, the court issued a warrant for Hallmon’s removal and appearance before the court. The warrant was served on June 22, resulting in his arrest and incarceration.

Court records show Hallmon is scheduled to appear in Ross County Common Pleas Court on July 1 as the case continues toward trial.

Hallmon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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