CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced Kenneth Graves, 59, was sentenced to 15 to 20 ½ years in prison for the physical and sexual assault of a social worker in June 2021.

“This man violently attacked and assaulted a social worker. This horrible crime has forever changed the victim’s life and I hope this conviction and sentence provides some justice for her.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

On June 4, 2021, the 64-year-old victim arrived at Kenneth Graves’s apartment for a well-being check as part of her employment duties as a social worker. Once inside his apartment, Graves grabbed a knife and held it to the victim’s stomach. He shoved her down to the ground and began to suffocate her. Graves punched her several times, strangled her, and then sexually assaulted her. Afterward, he let the victim leave his apartment and she called the police.

The Cleveland Division of Police and Cleveland Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. The victim was transferred to a nearby hospital and treated for her injuries. Kenneth Graves was arrested at the scene and transported to the Cuyahoga County Jail.

On February 17, 2022, Kenneth Graves pleaded guilty to the following charges:

  • One Count of Rape
  • One Count of Attempted Murder
  • One Count of Gross Sexual Imposition
  • One Count of Felonious Assault
  • One Count of Kidnapping

Afterward, Graves was sentenced to 15 to 20½ years in prison and will be listed as a Tier III Sex Offender (lifetime registration – must register every 90 days).

Graves was sentenced to 15 to 20½ years in prison. He was sentenced under “The Reagan Tokes Law,” which implements an indefinite sentencing system for non-life felonies of the first and second degree in which the judge imposes both a minimum term (from the current sentencing range) and a maximum term (that includes an additional 50% of the minimum term imposed). The Ohio Department of Corrections will review the case and Graves’s behavior after he has served 15 years and will make a determination as to whether he should be released.