Marysville Man Sentenced to More Than 30 Years for Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old Girl

A Marysville man was recently sentenced to prison for grooming, soliciting nude photos of, and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl who was the daughter of a family friend.

According to a release from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, investigators determined that Keith Joseph Hollenback groomed the victim over time, providing her with a cell phone so they could communicate secretly without the knowledge of his wife or the child’s mother.

Keith Joseph Hollenback, age 30, of Marysville, has been sentenced to 30 to 32.5 years in prison for grooming, soliciting nude photos of, and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl who was the daughter of a family friend.

Investigators determined that Hollenback groomed the victim over time, providing her with a cell phone so they could communicate secretly without the knowledge of his wife or the child’s mother.

The defendant’s manipulation had its intended effect — he convinced the child that their sexual relationship was not wrong if she “consented,” and that she was in love with him. Recovered electronic messages revealed that the victim offered to run away with Hollenback and described their relationship as “real.”

The defendant’s feelings toward his young victim were laid bare in monitored jail calls, where Hollenback, showing no remorse, told his caller, “I’m not dealing drugs. Some little ass f*cking kid is going all bat shit crazy, and we are acting like she’s a victim. Get the f*ck out of here. Give the bitch some medicine and throw her in a padded room; she needs it, she’s f*cking nuts. Just like her mother.”

At sentencing, Judge Don Fraser called it “another heinous sexual abuse case by an adult male upon a female child.” The judge continued, “The defendant was involved with a 12-year-old child sexually, as well as being controlling and manipulating her.” As a result, the judge concluded “the child’s innocence was destroyed.”

Given the opportunity to speak before sentencing, Hollenback stood silent.

Prosecutor David Phillips praised the investigation led by the Marysville Division of Police Detective Anthony Lollini and the work of Assistant Prosecutor Kelly Hamilton.

“This case demonstrates the calculated manipulation often used by sexual predators to exploit the trust of families,” Phillips said. “Thirty years will not undo the damage to this child, but it ensures the community is protected from this offender for decades.”

Following his release from prison, Hollenback will be required to register as a Tier-III sex offender for the rest of his life.