ZANESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — A 64-year-old Zanesville man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to 20 felony counts involving child sexual abuse materials.
Norman Scheffler appeared before Muskingum County Common Pleas Court Judge Gerald Anderson for sentencing after pleading guilty to 20 second-degree felony counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, as well as possession of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Zanesville Police Department, with Commander Phil Michel leading the investigation. According to the Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office, Scheffler was found inside his home March 3 while actively viewing child sexual abuse materials.
Prosecutors said Scheffler offered several explanations during the case. Investigators were initially told the material was allegedly created using artificial intelligence, while at sentencing Scheffler claimed the material appeared on his computer while he was watching YouTube.
The court also heard from other individuals regarding Scheffler’s background and alleged criminal activity, including an allegation that he photographed a child while the child was nude.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle, who handled the case, told the court that online predators sometimes require other abusers to produce and provide child sexual abuse materials in order to gain access to additional abusive material.
“It was clear from the beginning that this individual was a danger to the community,” Litle said.
Prosecutors said it is unusual for a suspect in a child sexual abuse materials case to be caught actively viewing the material, as occurred in Scheffler’s case.
Litle said Scheffler’s age makes it likely he will spend the remainder of his life in prison.
Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch said the office will continue to pursue cases involving child sexual abuse materials and seek justice for victims.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Ohio Attorney General’s Office data shows that 100% of Muskingum County cases involving child sexual abuse materials have resulted in prison sentences, compared with a statewide average of 72%.
Last Updated on August 27, 2026 by AVC News
