Accused Serial Rapist, Michael Grashel, Appears in Portsmouth Court
Michael Grashel is accused of multiple rapes and disseminating matters harmful to juveniles.
Grashel appeared Monday before Judge Steven L. Mowery in Portsmouth Municipal Court. This was his first preliminary hearing. A summary of the investigation that led to his arrest was presented by two detectives. Detective Strawser of the Pickaway Sherrif’s office and Detective Jodi Conkel a Sargent for the Scioto County Sheriff’s office.
This preliminary hearing concentrated mainly on the charges of several rapes that occurred at a home on Center Street in Wheelersburg. The testimony provided by the detectives alleges that Michael Grashel raped young family members while they were as young as 6 years old.
In statements provided to the detectives, there are four victims from Scioto County. Detective Strawser stated that there is a “slew” of additional charges going before the grand jury. Detective Conkle added that this is just the beginning of what is to come.
The allegations put forth are disturbing and difficult to absorb. It is alleged that Michael Grashel showed pornographic video footage, including a sexual video of his own sister, to the young children to “normalize” the behavior.
The testimony also included details that the victims were both male and female. Detectives Strawser and Conkle met with the accusers and deemed their statements to be credible enough for a “controlled call” to Grashel. The detectives were on the line when one of the victims made the call to confront their uncle about the abuse. During that call, the detectives testified, an argument ensued between the female victim and her current husband. In that call, it is said, Grashel lashed out by saying “I had her first”.
Officials from Children’s Protective Services in Scioto, Franklin, and Pickaway counties are also investigating. Additionally, the Columbus Police Department is investigating additional charges that occurred in Tamarack Circle, a subdivision in northeast Columbus.
The hearing on Monday concentrated on the allegations of the rapes that occurred during holiday visits home in Wheelersburg.
Michael Grashel is currently housed at the Scioto County Jail on a $600,000 bond. His defense attorney asked that his client be released with an ankle monitor. Judge Mowery swiftly denied the request and cited the credibility of the allegations was very strong. Additionally, he recognized more indictments are imminent and that Grashel should remain confined
