Zachary David Scott. Mugshot courtesy of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office.
Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney Mark J. Tekulve announces that yesterday Zachary David Scott pled guilty to Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the 3rd degree; Gross Abuse of a Corpse, a felony of the 5th degree; and an unrelated count of Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a felony of the 5th degree. Judge Victor Haddad sentenced Scott to an agreed term of 60 months (5 years) in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
On 01/21/2022, Scott, Shane Bruce, and two other individuals left Clermont County and purchased heroin from an unidentified drug dealer in the city of Cincinnati. The four returned to Clermont County, where Scott and Bruce dropped off the other two passengers. Scott and Bruce proceeded to use the heroin they had just purchased. Shane Bruce subsequently overdosed and died. Scott transported and disposed of Bruce’s body in a location that is still unknown to this day. Scott misled law enforcement by providing several locations where the victim may be found, but none proved to be true.
“Our office is hopeful that this outcome will bring some amount of peace and closure to Shane’s loved ones. Unfortunately, no amount of prison time will truly hold Scott accountable for the pain and suffering that he has caused. We have reserved the right to prosecute Scott, should new evidence come to light that points to additional crimes,” noted Prosecutor Tekulve.