CIRCLEVILLE, OH — A man who broke into a Circleville home last year, claiming to be “Jesus” has officially admitted to his crimes in a Pickaway County courtroom.
Alexander McGonigle, 32, appeared in court this week to enter a guilty plea on charges of Burglary. Following the plea, Honorable Judge Chafin ordered McGonigle’s bond revoked, and he was remanded into custody to await sentencing.
The Logan Street Intrusion
The charges stem from a terrifying incident on April 5, 2025, at a residence on Logan Street. Around 4:52 a.m., a local couple called 911 to report an intruder in their kitchen. The homeowners were forced to lock themselves in their bedroom with a firearm while the suspect moved through the house.
When Circleville Police officers forced entry through the front door, they discovered McGonigle exiting a bathroom. Upon his arrest, McGonigle displayed erratic behavior, refusing to provide his real name and claiming to officers that he was “Jesus,” “God,” and “Alexander the Great.” He told investigators that “voices in his head” had instructed him to enter the home.
Evidence and Captured Funds
During the initial arrest, officers recovered $2,436 in cash on McGonigle’s person. Investigators determined he had entered the home through a rear window and rifled through a purse belonging to the homeowner, which had contained approximately $2,000.
Further complicating his legal standing at the time, a “Rapid ID” check at Berger Hospital revealed that McGonigle was already wanted on an active felony warrant for kidnapping through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Next Steps
The court has ordered a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) to be conducted over the coming weeks. McGonigle is scheduled to return to the Pickaway County Court of Common Pleas for formal sentencing on May 20, 2026.
Until that date, he remains held without bond in the Pickaway County Jail.
Case Recap:
- Defendant: Alexander McGonigle, 32
- Original Incident: April 5, 2025 (Logan Street Burglary)
- Guilty Plea: Burglary (ORC 2911.12)
- Sentencing Date: May 20, 2026
- Status: Bond Revoked; In Custody
