The Scioto County Special Victims Unit was called in to investigate a horrible crime over the weekend involving a sexual assault against the most helpless among us. Even more terrifying, the alleged perpetrator was one of the victim’s caregivers.
Now, a 56-year-old Lucasville man is behind bars after the Special Victims Unit says he sexually assaulted a disabled woman under his care.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said the investigation started Friday when a supervisor at a home healthcare company contacted his office to say one of the company’s clients said she had been sexually assaulted by one of her caregivers.
The Scioto County Special Victims Unit sprang into action and began investigating the claim. Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel learned the disabled woman required round-the-clock care and was unable to care for or defend herself. Medics transported the woman to Adena Medical Center for treatment and to collect evidence of sexual assault.
Detectives went looking for the suspect, Ronald Pace, 56, in Rosemount and brought him in for questioning.
According to Pace’s Facebook page, he began working as a direct support professional at a group home for the disabled back in July of 2021.
Detectives charged Pace with two counts of rape of a victim with diminished mental or physical capacity. The court set his bond at $200,000.
Sheriff Thoroughman said the case is still ongoing and asked that anyone with information contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
