Adamsville Man Sentenced

Muskingum County- An Adamsville man was sentenced to prison for obstructing justice as a result of him lying to police about his girlfriend’s role in an overdose death.

The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office said 45-year-old Shawn Ridenbaugh was sentenced by Judge Mark Fleegle to nine years in prison. Six years for felony obstruction of justice and three years for felony harassment with bodily substance.

In February, officials responded to the death of Matthew Parmer, who passed away from the effects of an accidental drug overdose. Authorities said Ridenbaugh twice lied to police investigating his girlfriend, Tashia D. Stevens, for selling the drugs causing Parmer’s death.

While imprisoned in the county jail, Ridenbaugh tested positive for Hepatitis C, a life-threatening viral infection spread through contact with bodily fluids. Ridenbaugh was restrained by officers in the jail and spat saliva into an officer’s face. Ridenbaugh had blood in his mouth at the time.