The trial of William Mozingo Jr., accused of kidnapping and holding a 23-year-old Chardon woman captive for four days, took a dramatic turn on Tuesday. Right before jury selection was set to begin in Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Mozingo, 34, entered a guilty plea.
Mozingo was arrested on October 16, 2023, after Akron police responded to an emergency call from residents on the 2800 block of W. Wilbeth Road in the Kenmore neighborhood. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the young woman confined in a garage. The police promptly secured her safety and transported her to a local hospital, where she received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Mozingo’s criminal record is extensive and spans multiple counties, with violent offenses dating back to 2008. He was already listed on Ohio’s violent crime registry, reinforcing the gravity of his latest offense.
In the courtroom, Mozingo pled guilty to multiple charges, including:
- Two Counts of Kidnapping – First-Degree Felonies
- Five Counts of Felonious Assault – Second-Degree Felonies
- One Count of Abduction – Third-Degree Felony
- One Count of Strangulation – Third-Degree Felony
Mozingo also admitted guilt in a separate escape case. In September 2023, he had fled from the Summit County Community-Based Correctional Facility, escaping under a fence before being apprehended.
Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich expressed relief at Mozingo’s lengthy prison sentence, stating, “William Mozingo’s criminal history has proven that the streets are safer when he is behind bars. We are thankful that the victim survived this horrific crime and hope this sentence will allow her the peace to begin to move on from this terrible event.”
Judge Susan Baker Ross sentenced Mozingo to 25 to 30.5 years in prison. Upon release, should he ever gain parole, he will be required to register with the county sheriff each year for a decade.