Bellefontaine Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Rape, Strangulation and Extortion

A Bellefontaine man was sentenced this week to an indefinite prison term of 27 to 31 years after pleading guilty to multiple counts of rape, strangulation, and extortion.

According to information from the office of Union County Prosecuting Attorney David Phillips, 41-year-old Tobias J. Hilz coerced his ex-girlfriend into unwanted sexual acts and extorted money from her, using threats to contact child protective services and publicly release intimate photos and videos he had taken of her.

He also threatened to destroy her belongings unless she complied with his demands.

In addition to sexual violence, Hilz physically assaulted the woman, causing visible injuries from strangulation.  Evidence presented in the case included a series of letters and text messages written by Hilz, which he intended as a confession and a commitment to stop contact with the victim.

In these messages, Hilz admitted to “threatening, manipulating, blackmailing, and instilling fear” to stay close to the victim, despite her “begging and crying for her freedom.” His confession also revealed his anger and intent to punish her for leaving him, including threats to have her children removed from her care.

The investigation was conducted by the Richwood Police Department.

Judge Mark O’Connor sentenced Hilz to prison, ordered restitution of $3,200, and mandated that he register as a Tier III sex offender upon his release.