Gallis Sentenced in Voyeurism Case

James Gallis was sentenced to three years in prison as a result of his guilty plea to three counts of
voyeurism.

The defendant entered a guilty plea to the charges March 7, 2022. The charges are a result
of the defendant admitting that for purposes of sexual gratification that he secretly invaded the privacy
of a minor child.

The three-year sentence is the maximum sentence the defendant could receive. Voyeurism is a fifth degree felony. A fifth degree felony in Ohio is punishable by a sentence ranging from community control (probation) to up to a maximum of 12 months in prison.

In this case, Prosecutor Ron Welch recommended that the Court run each of the three counts consecutively (one sentence served immediately after the other) to achieve the maximum sentence of three years. Judge Kelly Cottrill followed the recommendation made by the State and imposed the maximum sentence. Judge Cottrill stated “If it were possible I would sentence you to more.”

Gallis will be required to register as a Tier One sex offender. Tier One offenders are required to register
once a year for 15 years. The tier that a sex offender has to register under is set forth in the Ohio
Revised Code. The Ohio Revised Code contains, amongst other things, the criminal laws, potential
sentences for violations of those laws and registration requirements for sex offenders. The Ohio Revised
Code is a product of the State Legislature. Neither the Prosecutor nor the Judge has any ability to change
the tier status for registration purposes.